The University of the South Pacific (USP) has appointed Siosiua Tuitalukua Tupou Utoikamanu as the Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Council, with his term set to begin on November 27, 2024. The decision was made during the Council’s 98th meeting held on November 25 in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.
Utoikamanu brings with him over four decades of experience in international development, specifically in public financial management, governance, and project management. His impressive career has taken him across numerous Pacific nations, including Tonga, Fiji, Tuvalu, Niue, Samoa, Nauru, Cook Islands, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
Familiar with USP, Utoikamanu previously held the position of Director at the Pacific Islands Centre for Public Administration (PICPA) from 2012 to 2015. He is also an alumnus of the University, having begun his academic journey there in 1974.
His extensive academic qualifications include a Master’s in Social Science (Development Finance) from Birmingham University and a Master’s in Commerce & Administration from Victoria University of Wellington, along with two Bachelor’s degrees from the same institution.
Utoikamanu is well-connected in his field, being a member of various esteemed organizations, including the American Economic Association and the Asia and Pacific Policy Society at the Australian National University. He has also contributed significantly to discussions on fiscal governance and public sector management through his publications.
Emeritus Professor Pat Walsh, the current Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chair, expressed great pride in Utoikamanu’s appointment, stating that the university is fortunate to have an individual with such exceptional credentials to lead as USP continues its development journey.
This appointment not only strengthens USP’s leadership but also signifies a commitment to enhancing educational governance and public administration in the Pacific region, which is crucial for sustainable development. Utoikamanu’s extensive experience and background could provide new insights and strategies that benefit the university and its stakeholders moving forward.
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