Launch ceremony on the 27th… Establishment of Korea's first multi-tiered bachelor's degree system consisting of 2- and 4-year programs

▲ Launch Ceremony of the Integrated Mokpo National University (Mokpo National University - Jeonnam Provincial University)

[Korea Education Newspaper] The integrated National Mokpo University, formed by the merger of Mokpo National University and Jeonnam Provincial University, held an inauguration ceremony on the 27th and took a new first step toward innovation in higher education in Jeonnam.

Jeollanam-do announced on the afternoon of the 27th that the 'Inauguration Ceremony of the Integrated Mokpo National University' was held at the Cheonggang Academy Hall of the Mokpo National University 70th Anniversary Memorial Hall.

The launch ceremony was an occasion to officially announce the new beginning of Mokpo National University and Jeonnam Provincial University as a single university system, and to share a new vision for innovation in higher education in Jeonnam and the nurturing of local talent.

Distinguished guests, including Minister of Education Choi Kyo-jin, Jeonnam Provincial Administrative Vice Governor Hwang Ki-yeon, Mokpo National University President Song Ha-cheol, local political figures, university and industry officials, and university members, attended the launch ceremony to celebrate the establishment of the integrated university.

The integration is significant not only as a simple organizational merger between universities but also as an innovation model for higher education in Jeonnam aimed at addressing the decline in the school-age population, the outflow of youth, and changes in the industrial structure.

In particular, Mokpo National University established the nation's first educational model of operating both a two-year associate degree program and a four-year bachelor's degree program within a single university. Through this, it has completed a full-cycle workforce training system that systematically fosters everything from practical professionals needed for key regional industries to high-level talents who will lead global research and development (R&D).

In addition, taking advantage of the integration, a vision was presented to specialize a total of seven campuses, including the Damyang and Jangheung campuses, lead the realization of a decarbonized society and AI-based innovative education, and leap forward as a prestigious global university specializing in marine science.

In his congratulatory remarks, Vice Governor Hwang Ki-yeon stated, “This merger goes beyond a simple physical combination of two universities and marks an important milestone in turning the crisis of regional decline into an opportunity,” adding, “When Mokpo National University’s research capabilities are combined with Jeonnam Provincial University’s field-oriented educational capabilities, Jeonnam will establish a much more robust higher education ecosystem.”

He added, “The region thrives only when the university thrives, and the university can take a leap forward only when the region grows,” stating, “We will continue to provide support at the Jeonnam Provincial level to ensure the integrated university establishes itself as a key hub for regional industries and talent cultivation.”

[News Source: Jeollanam-do]

[대한민국영어신문]