▲ The 19th President Ahn Soon-cheol (Photo from DKU Portal)

 In a momentous event that unfolded on August 26th, Dankook University ushered in a new era welcoming its new leader, the 19th President, Ahn Soon-cheol. President Ahn is no stranger to the institution. He earned his stripes as an alumnus, studying in the Department of Political Science and Diplomacy starting in 1981. His association with Dankook University runs deep, beginning as an eager undergraduate freshman and spanning over four decades, making him a 'True Dankookian'(Student of Dankook University). Below is an interview of the president's new goal and vision to share with the Dankookians. 

▲ President Ahn Soon-cheol from the Interview (Photo from DKU PR)

- There are many expectations for the new president. It must be a burden.

"I feel a strong sense of responsibility. As someone who has been part of this university for a long time, I carry a heavy sense of responsibility. "The task of establishing the foundation to leap into the QS World's Top 500 Universities through financial strengthening, educational innovation, and the advancement of industry-academic cooperation is not an easy plan. However, it is a challenge that our university must go through, and it is a mission entrusted to me. I firmly believe that if all Dankook University members come together with one heart, pooling our intentions and wisdom, we can achieve it."

 

- 'Strong Dankook.' What is the philosophy and direction you plan to take to lead the university during your tenure?

"Our university has followed the founding philosophy of 'Independence, Self-Reliance, and Patriotism' and the educational principles of 'Truth and Service' for 76 years. Under these fundamental values, we will revisit our founding philosophy and educational principles in the context of modern times. I believe that this is the attitude that preserves and advances Dankook's identity. A university truly becomes a university when it possesses both publicness and innovation. University management should focus on expanding public awareness, which involves creating new knowledge and nurturing talents. At the same time, we will vigorously promote entrepreneurship and leverage it as a basis to enhance the future competitiveness and development of our university."

 

- The declaration of 'Dankook Upgrade 5.0.' Share with us about the significance and direction of this inauguration.

"Dankook Innovation 5.0" signifies the proclamation of 'New Dankook, Innovative Dankook' both internally and externally. It represents the commitment of all Dankook members to diligently pursue specific strategies to achieve this goal. Moreover, the balanced development of South Korea calls upon universities to innovate their regional economies and industries and nurture talents equipped with the intelligence and capabilities demanded by the new era. However, due to the trend of university rankings, the uniqueness and characteristics of universities are being overlooked. The strategic core to achieve this is to stabilize the university's financial foundation and, based on it, accomplish education reform, advance research, and enhance industry-academic cooperation. This is how we will align ourselves with the vision of becoming a 'Global University of Challenge and Creativity' and establish a substantial and prominent presence.

 

- What is the direction for building a future-oriented educational infrastructure and securing the highest level of educational competitiveness?

"Digital education innovation is a pressing challenge of our time. We will establish an educational infrastructure that transcends the constraints of time and space using emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the metaverse. We will develop high-quality educational content and provide services that encompass both the Jukjeon and Cheonan campuses. We will activate interdisciplinary majors that align with societal demands. It's clear that addressing the complex issues posed by today's environment requires more than just specialized knowledge from the past. We need interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills. The core of achieving the highest level of educational competitiveness lies in creating a learning environment that satisfies our current students. This includes designing educational pathways and developing customized programs tailored to different skill levels, making Dankook University a place that truly excels in teaching."

 

- How will you establish and secure the position of K-Culture leading University?

"Dankook University is determined to establish itself as a leading institution in K-Culture. This entails creating new departments, expanding collaborations with prestigious universities globally, and establishing 'DKU International College' to attract international and domestic students with a comprehensive English-taught curriculum. While they support the government's efforts to increase international student recruitment, they emphasize attracting high-quality students and delivering a diverse, top-notch curriculum. They plan to achieve this by setting up hub education centers in major international cities. This strategic direction underscores their commitment to providing quality education, fostering innovation, and strengthening industry-academic partnerships. Dankook University aspires to become a global institution, well-equipped to address the challenges of our time and lead in education and K-Culture."

 

- Our university is struggling to generate brand power. Are there any policies to showcase our university's unique features for creating brand value?

"Dankook University holds the distinction of being South Korea's first 4-year private university established after the Korean War. In 1978, we boldly embarked on the nationalization of higher education by creating our Cheonan campus, which aimed to overcome Seoul's regional limitations and lead to balanced development. Building on this historic legacy, we are committed to increasing Dankook University's brand value by actively contributing to the development of technology and the cultivation of specialized talent needed to establish extensive advanced clusters, particularly in areas like Pangyo and Yongin. Furthermore, our Cheonan campus excels in bio-health and foreign language fields, and we are dedicated to promoting and branding these strengths."

 

- What are the goals you aim to achieve during your term?

"I've outlined two main strategies and seven key objectives in our development plan. The first strategy aims to maximize our financial capacity, while the second focuses on elevating our global university status. Financial resources are pivotal for driving innovation, so we're working on securing a sustainable financial foundation. Our specific goal is to break into the QS World's Top 500 Universities, signifying our commitment to becoming a prominent global university. These seven key objectives are central challenges that bridge our financial capacity (empowerment) with our achievements (achieving a top 500 QS ranking). In essence, it means harnessing financial strength through empowerment to earnestly pursue these objectives, ultimately propelling us into the top 500 QS ranking and enhancing our global university status. Despite the pressure following our QS ranking drop from 751-800 to 1001-1200 in the 2024 announcement, we remain committed to competing diligently, recognizing this challenge is faced by all universities."

 

- Any words to share with our Dankookians?

"I kindly request the support and encouragement of our Dankookians. I also urge you not to be deterred by minor obstacles but to continue embracing creative challenges in your journey to becoming proud Dankook individuals. You are capable, you have the drive, and you have the potential. Your generation possesses remarkable abilities like no other. I have faith in your capabilities and in the strength of our Dankook University. I once again implore you to join me in our efforts for the honor of our alma mater, Dankook University, and to grow as proud members of the Dankook community."


*To watch the actual interview uploaded by D-Voice, click the link below. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_I-EaPtgj8

Editor-in-Chief 김경석  dankookherald@gmail.com