Professor Jang Seokhwan Appointed as the 12th President of Daejin University

Professor Jang Seok-hwan from the Department of Smart Construction and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, has been appointed as the 12th president of Daejin University.

Professor Jang Seok-hwan, Department of Smart Construction and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering. Provided by Daejin University

Following the decision made by the Board of Trustees of Daejin University on the 27th of last month, Professor Jang Seok-hwan will assume the presidency starting January 2025 and is expected to present a new vision for Daejin University.

President Jang Seok-hwan graduated with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Seoul and earned his master's and doctoral degrees from the same institution. He joined Daejin University as a professor in 1998 and has served as the dean of the graduate school, dean of the graduate school of education, and dean of the graduate school of unification, leaving a profound mark in education and research. Having also worked as a research professor at Colorado State University, he has played pivotal roles in various academic organizations such as Vice President of the Korean Water Resources Association, Vice President of the Federation of Water-related Academic Societies, and Vice President of the Korean Smart Water Grid Society, establishing his reputation as an expert in the water sector.

Recognized domestically and internationally as an expert in water management and cooperation, he has led international collaborations and networks as Secretary-General of the Asian Association of Water Councils (AAWC), Chair of the Asian River Restoration Network (ARRN), Co-Chair of the Korea-Mongolia Water Forum, and member of the National Water Resources Management Committee. Additionally, he has contributed to national and regional development through various policy advisory roles, including the Ministry of Environment’s Central Environmental Policy Committee, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Self-Evaluation Committee, and the Ministry of Unification’s Policy Advisory Committee.

His ongoing interest in climate change and disaster issues has extended into media activities. Through roles such as a regular columnist for The Dong-A Ilbo, disaster broadcasting specialist and guest commentator for KBS, and commentator for YTN and Yonhap News, he has engaged with the public by providing in-depth analysis and contributions on social issues.

With this presidential appointment, Daejin University is preparing for a new leap forward in education, research, international cooperation, and policy advisory fields. President Jang Seok-hwan’s extensive experience and vision are expected to be a significant driving force for the university’s development.

The term of the new president is two years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2026.