UĦM’s New Chapter: Long-Serving Director Steps Down

As the sun set over the historic streets of Valletta, a quiet yet significant shift was taking place at the heart of Malta’s cultural scene. Dr. Victor Debono, the long-serving director of the University of Malta’s (UĦM) Department of Maltese, had tendered his resignation, marking the end of an era and opening a new chapter for the institution.

Dr. Debono’s resignation, effective as of the end of the academic year, brings to a close a quarter of a century at the helm of the Department of Maltese. His tenure, spanning over two decades, has been marked by numerous achievements, including the expansion of the department’s offerings, the introduction of innovative teaching methods, and the fostering of international collaborations.

Under his leadership, the department grew from strength to strength, attracting a diverse student body and producing distinguished alumni who have gone on to contribute significantly to Malta’s cultural scene. Dr. Debono’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Maltese language and culture has been unwavering, earning him widespread respect and admiration.

With Dr. Debono’s departure, the search is now on for a new director to lead the department into the future. The University of Malta has launched a public call for applications, seeking a dynamic and visionary leader who can build on the department’s successes and steer it through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The ideal candidate, according to the university, should be a distinguished scholar with a proven track record in research and teaching, a strong commitment to the Maltese language and culture, and the ability to lead and inspire a diverse team. The new director will also play a crucial role in shaping the department’s response to the digital age, ensuring that its offerings remain relevant and engaging in the 21st century.

In an interview with Hot Malta, Dr. Debono reflected on his time at the helm of the Department of Maltese. “It’s been an incredible journey,” he said, “watching the department grow and evolve, and playing a part in shaping the future of the Maltese language and culture. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, and I look forward to seeing the department continue to thrive under new leadership.”

Asked about his plans for the future, Dr. Debono was characteristically modest. “I’ll take some time to rest and recharge,” he said, “and then I hope to continue contributing to Maltese culture in some capacity. After all, it’s a passion that’s been with me throughout my career, and I can’t imagine not being involved in some way.”

The university has set a deadline of June 30 for applications for the position of director. A selection committee will then review the applications and conduct interviews before making a recommendation to the university’s senate.

As the search for a new director gets underway, one thing is clear: Dr. Debono’s departure marks not an end, but a transition. The Department of Maltese at the University of Malta stands at the precipice of a new era, ready to embrace the future with confidence and determination.