By DALCY LULUA
THE Innovative University of Enga (IUE) will have a new and permanent president next week, to oversee the newly established university’s operations.
American Professor Brian Davis was appointed as an IUE’s incoming president for the Innovative University of Enga.
Professor Davis holds a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Mississippi, USA and has over 20 years of experience in both academic and administrative roles.
He will take up this post as the first expatriate and permanent president.
Prior to this appointment, Dr Davis was the Dean of School of Computer Science & Mathematics, at the University of Kimep in Kazakhstan, Central Asia.
He was the successful candidate for the position of IUE President after a global search for a suitable and willing candidate to take up the challenging post at the new University in Enga Province of Papua New Guinea.
IUE began its pioneer academic operation last year (2024) under the leadership of acting President Dr. Ben Imbun, who was appointed by the IUE Council to oversee the operations of the newly established institution while waiting a permanent appointment.
Caretaker President Kawa Neuendorf and Assistant Caretaker President Wilfred Fafen were appointed by the IUE Council to ensure the 2025 Academic Year started well on a high note until Professor Brian Davis officially takes over as of next week.
IUE Chairlady Anna Bais along with fellow council members in Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka, Dr.Thomas Webstar, Peter Mission Yaki and Michael Kambao were present to welcome the expatriate professor who will travel up to Enga Province over the weekend with his wife.
The Chairlady, “main purpose for vigorously head hunting for someone abroad by IEU Council was to develop a different university culture and mindset to learning, reflecting the Vision of the University captured in University Motto: Aut viam Inveniam aut faciam” Latin for “I shall either find a way or make one”.
“One of our biggest challenges was operating in the vacuum of the top leadership in the University,” she added.
“We had acting, we also had caretakers, and the council today are really happy for the president that can take this university to a level of excellence in this country. That can take the Innovative University of Enga and give it the real meaning Innovation.”
Professor Davis highlighted that one of his main jobs moving forward is to manage change and manage expectations as IUE is a combination of three existing institutions.
“Three existing institutions have been combined to create this university, what we have is a lot of change, right? And change can sometimes be disruptive, it can be positive, but it can still be disruptive.
“So, one of my jobs moving forward is going to be manage that change and manage expectations as we combine these institutions into a single university.”
“Now moving forward, it’s always a challenge to make sure that our degree offerings match the expectations of our constituents, and if we do a good job with this, then we will produce graduates who are employable,” said Professor Davis.
Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, who has been instrumental in the establishment of this university, was present to officially welcome the American professor and his wife on behalf of the Enga Provincial Government and the people of Enga along with Kandep Open MP Don Pomb Polye.
