"Progress in Launching the Integrated University and Establishing a National Medical School"
Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, expressed his welcome on the 16th regarding the approval of the university integration vote at the National Suncheon University, calling it "a grand decision for the future of Jeonnam."
The revote on the integration of National Mokpo University and Suncheon University, held for Suncheon University students on this day, saw a total of 3,127 participants, with 50.3% (1,574 students) voting in favor and 49.7% (1,553 students) against, resulting in the approval of the integration. Following Mokpo University's decision last month, Suncheon University has also agreed to the integration, which is expected to further accelerate the process of unifying the two universities.
In his statement of welcome, Governor Kim said, "I would like to thank all members of both universities who made a grand decision for the region's future when faced with the significant choice of university integration," and evaluated, "This decision, made through repeated reflection and deliberation, is a valuable outcome that embodies the power of collective intelligence."
He went on to emphasize, "This approval provides an important opportunity to advance discussions on launching the integrated university and establishing a national medical school."
He also referenced President Lee Jaemyung's recent promise to proceed with the establishment of a new medical school in Jeonnam as planned, separate from the administrative integration of Gwangju and Jeonnam, stating, "If a national medical school is established based on the integrated university and university hospitals are built in both the eastern and western regions, the medical gap between regions will be closed and a public healthcare system will be established, allowing all residents to live with peace of mind."
Additionally, he said, "As the nation's first glocal university integration model, the integrated university will open a new path to respond to the declining school-age population and the crisis of regional extinction," and added, "I am confident that it will proudly emerge as a top-tier national university leading the upcoming era of administrative integration between Gwangju and Jeonnam."
Governor Kim concluded, "I will devote my utmost efforts to ensure the successful launch of the integrated university and the national medical school, which are the long-cherished wishes of all residents and the key driving force for regional development," and called for continued support from the residents.
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