Jang Seok-hwan, President of Daejin University, "Focusing on Nurturing Future Talent to Lead the 4th Industrial Revolution Era"

12th President Inauguration Ceremony Held
Daejin University Declares a New Leap Forward on Its 33rd Anniversary
Pledges to Lead Regional Development Through RISE Project

Daejin University has declared a new leap forward on the occasion of its 33rd anniversary. On the 15th, Daejin University held the inauguration ceremony of its 12th president, Jang Seok-hwan, at the Central Library International Conference Hall. President Jang, who will serve his term until December 31, 2026, presented a new vision and innovation plans for the university in his inaugural address.

Jang Seok-hwan, the 12th president of Daejin University, is delivering a greeting speech at the inauguration ceremony held on the 15th. Photo by Daejin University

President Jang has dedicated 26 years to the development of Daejin University since joining in 1998, and was elected as the 12th president in recognition of his contributions.

The event was attended by about 300 people, including Baek Young-hyun, Mayor of Pocheon, Lim Jong-hoon, Chairman of the Pocheon City Council, Heo Hee-young, President of Korea Aerospace University, Lee Jeong-yeol, President of Joongbu University, as well as local political and business figures, faculty, and students, celebrating Daejin University's new start.

In his inaugural speech, President Jang stated, "We will focus on innovating the educational system through academic and administrative reforms to nurture future talents who will lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution era." He also emphasized, "We will strengthen the regional industry-academia-research network in cooperation with Daejin Technopark and expand the university's role in creating a future-oriented industrial ecosystem."

In particular, President Jang presented three core tasks for the university's new leap forward: △ attracting the 'RISE (Regional Innovation System Enhancement)' project, a university support program led by local governments △ realizing a carbon-neutral campus through the Gyeonggi-do Campus RE100 project △ creating an innovative educational environment based on artificial intelligence and big data through the Software-Centered University support project.

President Jang added, "We will also strive to attract international students to enhance global competitiveness," and "through this, we will support the workforce needed by local small and medium-sized enterprises and contribute to revitalizing the regional economy."

During the inauguration ceremony, congratulatory speeches from key figures followed.

Yoon Eun-do, Chairman of the Daejin University Foundation, said, "President Jang Seok-hwan's inauguration will be an important turning point for the university's new leap forward," and added, "There are high expectations for educational innovation and university development."

Chairman Yoon emphasized, "This year should be the first year of Daejin University's re-leap, making it a sustainably developing university," expressing hope that "President Jang Seok-hwan will objectively and accurately diagnose Daejin University and unite the strength of all Daejin family members to promote reforms."

He also stressed, "There can be no development of the school without a plan," highlighting the importance of establishing concrete plans to realize the university's vision and goals under new leadership. Daejin University, established as a religious university as part of the educational projects of Daesoon Jinrihoe, has focused on nurturing creative and enterprising talents based on the founding spirit of 'Sincerity, Reverence, and Faith.'

Chairman Yoon evaluated, "Our university has undergone many challenges and growth, establishing itself as an important hub fulfilling education, research, and social responsibility."

A Daejin University official stated, "With the inauguration of the new president, we plan to accelerate efforts to strengthen the university's competitiveness and develop innovative educational programs," adding, "We will enhance cooperation with the local community and focus on nurturing global talents."

Through this presidential inauguration, Daejin University is expected to establish a new vision and development strategy, respond to the rapidly changing educational environment, and accelerate efforts to become a future-oriented university.

Meanwhile, President Jang Seok-hwan earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from the University of Seoul. Since joining Daejin University as a professor in 1998, he has served as the dean of the graduate school, dean of the graduate school of education, and dean of the graduate school of unification. He has also been active as an expert in the water sector, serving as vice president of the Korean Water Resources Association and vice president of the Federation of Water-related Academic Societies, and has contributed to national and regional development by providing policy advice on various government committees.