Latest news with #academicexcellence
CBS News
12 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
FIU trustees unanimously approve Jeanette Nuñez as university president
The Florida International University Board of Trustees on Monday unanimously approved appointing former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez as the university's president. Nuñez has served as interim president since February and emerged last month as the sole finalist to become president. The appointment remains subject to approval by the state university system's Board of Governors. Nuñez is slated to receive a five-year contract with a base salary of $925,000 and annual performance bonuses of up to $400,000. Nuñez, who received bachelor's and master's degrees at FIU, said the Miami-based school has a tremendous opportunity for growth. "We need to make sure that our reputation matches our reality," Nuñez said. "Our reality is one of academic excellence, one of research and one of aligning with many strategic partners in this community, this state and this country." Roger Tovar, chairman of the Board of Trustees, cited a "combination of professional experience and an extensive network in South Florida and Tallahassee that makes Interim President Nuñez an ideal leader to help transition FIU into the future." Nuñez, a Miami Republican who served in the Florida House before becoming Gov. Ron DeSantis' running mate in 2018, left the lieutenant governor's job to become interim president. She replaced Kenneth Jessell, who had served as FIU's president since 2022. Part of broader changes in Florida's higher education Her move to FIU has been part of a series of changes in the presidencies of state universities and colleges — and efforts by DeSantis to reshape the higher-education system. The university system's Board of Governors on Tuesday is expected to consider the appointment of former University of Michigan President Santa Ono to become president of the University of Florida, while the University of West Florida Board of Trustees last week chose state Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr., a DeSantis ally, to serve as the Pensacola school's interim president. Meanwhile, the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees last month chose corporate executive Marva Johnson to become the school's president, while University of South Florida President Rhea Law has announced plans to resign. Also, former state House Majority Leader Adam Hasner was selected in February to serve as president of Florida Atlantic University. Carlos Duart, an FIU trustee who led the school's search committee, wrote in a message to the university community last month that the committee selected three finalists, but two said they would only continue to a public phase of the process if they were chosen as the lone candidate. The identities of presidential candidates at state universities and colleges are largely shielded from release. "Given her proven record of leadership and unique qualifications, the committee unanimously agreed to move Interim President Nuñez forward as its sole finalist for consideration by the FIU Board of Trustees," Duart wrote in last month's message. But it also has been widely speculated that DeSantis played a role in Nuñez getting the FIU job, something trustee Dean Colson appeared to acknowledge Monday as he supported her appointment. "I believe she will be a very successful president, and to be honest, if we don't pick her as our president, I suspect that tomorrow we are going to find out who the governor's office's second pick is," Colson said. "I really like our first pick, so why would I take that chance?"
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
167 top Hindu SPM scorers receive cash awards from PHEB
Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow (second from right) and Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran (right) with Darshini Subash Sun, who received a trophy, laptop and RM450 for her 9A+ in SPM. GEORGE TOWN : A total of 167 Hindu students from 37 schools in Penang who scored 7As and above in the 2024 SPM examination received a total of RM70,200 in cash awards today. Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the initiative by the Penang Hindu Endowments Board (PHEB) recognised academic excellence and reflected the state's ongoing commitment to educational development. 'I am extremely proud of the 819 candidates in Penang who obtained straight As in the 2024 SPM exam,' he said at the award presentation at Kompleks Masyarakat Penyayang here today. Chow said as of May this year, PHEB had allocated around RM1.5 million to support 1,217 students across the state. PHEB deputy chairman Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran said this was the second consecutive year the board had recognised outstanding Hindu students in the SPM examination. He said each student would receive RM50 for every A, with amounts ranging from RM350 for 7As to RM550 for 11As. The most outstanding scorer with 9A+, Darshini Subash Sun from SMK Hussein Onn, received a trophy, laptop and RM450. Kuhan Tharman, an 8A student from SMJK Chung Ling, received RM400. Lingeshwaran said that between 2023 and May 2025, PHEB had channelled RM883,607 into education aid for students pursuing certificate, diploma and degree programmes, as well as welfare assistance. In total, nearly RM1 million had been spent, benefitting at least 1,028 Hindus in Penang, he said. 'This year, PHEB received RM2 million in state funding, up from RM1.5 million last year,' he said.
News24
4 days ago
- General
- News24
Academic excellence through mentorship
Strategic Mentoring Programmes Drive Academic Excellence and Transformation Grow your own timber. This philosophy, rooted in the commitment to invest in 'home-grown' academic talent, has seen the University of the Free State (UFS) continue to make remarkable strides in transforming its academic landscape through innovative mentoring initiatives. Building on five years of success, the university's comprehensive Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme has significantly enhanced research output, leadership capabilities, and institutional cohesion. MENTORSHIP AS A CATALYST FOR TRANSFORMATION At the UFS, the strategic implementation of structured mentoring has proven to be a powerful tool in building a pipeline of accomplished scholars who are ready to excel at the highest academic levels. This approach recognises that true transformation requires more than just appointments – it demands sustained development and support. A PORTFOLIO OF SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES Since launching its Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme five years ago, the UFS has expanded its initiatives to address the specific needs of academics at different career stages. The current suite of programmes now supports 165 staff members across four tailored interventions: THE FUTURE PROFESSORIATE PROGRAMME Targeting academics five to eight years post-PhD, this flagship programme focuses on developing scholars who are poised to become professors and associate professors. The two-year fellowship emphasises building international profiles, increasing research impact through quality publications, and achieving recognition as established researchers through NRF ratings. In total, 41% of the 2025 cohort are black South Africans, 41% are white South Africans, and 18% are foreign-born African scholars. Supplied THE EMERGING SCHOLAR ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (ESAP) This programme supports academics one to four years post-PhD, helping them increase research productivity, prepare for NRF Y-ratings, develop postgraduate supervision capabilities, and advance to senior lecturer positions. ESAP provides crucial early-career guidance that establishes foundations for long-term academic success. In the 2025 cohort, 54% are black South Africans, 32% white South Africans, and 14% foreign-born African scholars. THE WISE PROGRAMME (WOMEN INFLUENCING SCHOLARSHIP AND EDUCATION) Recognising the unique challenges that mid-career women academics face, WISE provides targeted support to female scholars. The programme emphasises strategic career planning and creating pathways for advancement. Among its 23 participants, 61% are black candidates, reflecting the university's commitment to intersectional representation. THE RESEARCHER EXCELLENCE ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME (REAP) REAP supports staff members who are completing their PhD qualifications or have recently graduated. With 54 participants (54% black and 69% women), the programme focuses on successful PhD completion, publishing research findings, and developing scholarship of engagement skills. ESTABLISHED PROGRAMMES – EXCELLENT RESULTS The Future Professoriate and ESAP programmes have had a significant impact on the career progression and research productivity of candidates. The results after five years of structured mentoring speak volumes about the programmes' effectiveness: EMERGING PROGRAMMES – PROMISING RESULTS The REAP and WISE programmes launched in 2024 are gaining momentum and continue to effectively support members in achieving their career goals. Beyond these quantifiable achievements, the mentorship initiatives have also fostered a culture of collaboration and excellence that permeates the institution. COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH The UFS mentoring programmes implement a holistic approach to academic development: Intensive Writing Support: Regular writing retreats provide dedicated time and space for focused research output, with guidance from experienced mentors and editors. Expert Mentorship: Participants benefit from both internal mentoring and connections with external mentors from leading South African universities, many of whom are A- and B-rated researchers. Tailored Workshops: Programmes offer customised workshops on supervision, academic leadership, grant writing, time management, and presentation skills. Peer Learning Communities: Strategic retreats and group sessions foster collaborative networks across departments and faculties, breaking down institutional silos. Individual Guidance: Each participant receives personalised career planning and progress monitoring towards specific milestones. Supplied ADDRESSING CHALLENGES PROACTIVELY While celebrating its successes, the UFS recognises the challenges facing emerging academics, and the toll that high academic output can take on scholars' health and family life. By identifying systemic barriers and providing targeted support, an environment is created where talented academics choose to build their careers at the UFS rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. This proactive approach has proven effective in retention and succeeded in cultivating a strong community of emerging scholars committed to the institution's future. BUILDING ON SUCCESS As the UFS mentoring initiatives enter their next phase, the focus is on sustainability and expanding impact. Alumni of the programmes now serve as mentors themselves, creating a virtuous cycle of development and support. The university's Vision 130 strategy emphasises continued transformation of the professoriate, with these mentoring programmes serving as cornerstone initiatives. Through strategic mentorship, the University of the Free State is not only transforming its professoriate but also redefining what academic success looks like in the South African context – ensuring that excellence and representation go hand in hand. Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 info@ More information: URL ________________________________________________________________ UFS social media Facebook:
Zawya
4 days ago
- General
- Zawya
President Ramkalawan Honours Seychelles' Top Cambridge Achievers
President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, hosted a prestigious ceremony at State House Friday morning to honour Seychelles' highest achievers in the 2024 Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level examinations. The event marked a departure from conventional recognition ceremonies by placing special emphasis on the vital role of parental and familial support in students' academic success. Surrounded by proud parents and educators, the ceremony celebrated not only academic excellence but also the collective effort behind each student's achievement. In his address, President Ramkalawan commended the honourees for their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and discipline. He acknowledged the essential support of parents, teachers, and school leaders throughout the students' educational journey and urged the young scholars to act as ambassadors of excellence and agents of national progress. "You are a beacon of light for the generations and show that there is a better way," President Ramkalawan told the assembled students. "Your effort, your perseverance, your discipline – all these were required for you to achieve such good grades. You are giving us hope today that Seychelles can produce good education at this level." The recognised students distinguished themselves among more than 200,000 candidates from over 130 countries who sit for Cambridge examinations annually. Their accomplishments not only underscore national excellence but also reflect Seychelles' presence on the global academic stage. Among the standout performances were Laurent Joseph and Shaun Leste, who jointly secured first place globally in their respective subjects. Ellie Mondon, Jayabalaji Gunasekan, and Lia Frichot also earned joint eighth place worldwide in areas including English as a Second Language, Computer Science, Environmental Management, and French as a Foreign Language. President Ramkalawan further announced a subsequent national recognition ceremony scheduled for July 2025, aimed at honouring a broader cohort of high-performing students across Seychelles. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of recognition, applauding the students' exceptional achievements. In attendance were Minister for Education Dr. Justin Valentin, Principal Secretary Merna Eulentin, Director General of the Assessment Division Arnold Chang Pen Tive, Director of the School of Advanced Level Studies Elaine Larue, Director of the Seychelles Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture Maryanne Marie, Executive Head of International School Seychelles Elodie Vallantine, Principal of Independent School Andy Esparon, and Head Teacher of Praslin Secondary Ian Collie, along with invited guests. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
ISP announces 100 scholarships to empower future changemakers across its schools
International Schools Partnership (ISP) has announced that it will offer up to 100 scholarships across nine of its schools in the UAE and Qatar. The scholarships, in three distinct categories, will be awarded to both existing and new students in secondary for the 2025-26 academic year. Rory Galvin, Director of Learning, ISP - Middle East, said: 'At ISP, we believe that the true purpose of education goes far beyond traditional academics. Our aim is to provide a holistic learning environment, one that sparks curiosity, nurtures creativity, and instils the values needed for students to flourish as globally minded individuals in an increasingly interconnected world. These scholarship opportunities, offered to exceptional students across the UAE and Qatar, represent a powerful investment in their future, one that will fuel a lifelong love of learning, empowering them to grow into innovative thinkers and problem-solvers.' The categories align with the ISP Learning Pillars and will support each school's continued commitment to fostering lifelong learners by recognising excellence in a variety of academic and non-academic disciplines. The ISP scholarship categories for 2025-26 will focus on three key areas. The 'Academic Excellence Scholarship' will recognise high academic achievers who persevere in their goals and redefine the meaning of excellence through their dedication and commitment to learning. The 'International Learner Scholarship' will celebrate students who embrace global perspectives, thrive through cultural connections, and see the world as their classroom. ISP's 'Tomorrow's Leaders Scholarship' will identify students with ambition, purpose, and bold ideas and recognise those who are ready to lead, innovate, and are working towards building a brighter tomorrow. Scholarship amounts will vary, offering up to 75 per cent coverage of annual school tuition fees. Scholarship recipients will receive comprehensive support and mentorship to guide their academic and personal growth, over a two-year period. They will also gain access to unparalleled global opportunities, including ISP's diverse range of international programmes, cultural exchanges, and leadership experiences to broaden their horizons. ISP Schools in the Middle East offering scholarships are The Aquila School, Nibras International School, Star International School, Al Twar, Star International School, Mirdif and The English College in Dubai; Aspen Heights British School and Reach British School in Abu Dhabi; and The Hamilton International School and Durham School for Girls in Doha, Qatar. More information about criteria and eligibility can be found on the respective school websites or by contacting the school admissions teams.
