UĦM: New Director Sought as Azzopardi Resigns
UĦM’s New Chapter: Long-Serving Director Steps Down
In the heart of Malta, at the University of the Mediterranean (UĦM)’s historic building on Republic Street, a change of guard is underway. After nearly two decades at the helm, Director Joseph Azzopardi has resigned, leaving the institution he helped shape in search of a new leader.
From Visionary to Veteran
Joseph Azzopardi’s resignation marks the end of an era at UĦM. Appointed in 2004, he navigated the university through its formative years, transforming it from a fledgling institution into a respected hub of higher learning. Under his leadership, UĦM introduced innovative programmes, attracted international partnerships, and expanded its campus, most notably with the acquisition of the former Jesuit College in Valletta.
“He leaves behind a legacy that’s impossible to ignore,” says Dr. Maria Grech Ganado, a senior lecturer at UĦM. “The university we see today is a testament to his vision and dedication.”
A University in Transition
As UĦM bids farewell to its founding director, it finds itself at a crossroads. Enrolment numbers have been declining in recent years, a challenge faced by many local institutions. the university is grappling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has accelerated the shift towards online learning and posed new financial pressures.
Despite these hurdles, UĦM remains optimistic. “We’re not defined by our challenges, but by how we overcome them,” says Dr. Grech Ganado. “This is an opportunity for us to reimagine our future, to adapt and grow.”
The search for a new director is already underway. The UĦM Council, the university’s governing body, has formed a committee to lead the process. They’re looking for a leader who can steer UĦM through these transformative times, someone with a strong academic background, a vision for the future, and a deep understanding of Malta’s higher education scene.
: A New Chapter for UĦM
As UĦM prepares to turn the page on its first chapter, there’s a sense of anticipation among its community. “We’re not just saying goodbye to a director, we’re saying hello to a new era,” says Dr. Grech Ganado. “It’s an exciting time for UĦM, and for Malta’s higher education sector as a whole.”
In the meantime, UĦM’s day-to-day operations continue uninterrupted. Acting Director Prof. Carmel Borg, a veteran academic and former Pro-Rector, has taken the helm. He’s wasting no time, already leading strategic planning sessions and engaging with students and staff.
“UĦM’s story is far from over,” says Prof. Borg. “We’re writing a new chapter, one that’s filled with promise and potential. We’re ready for the next challenge, the next opportunity. Because that’s what UĦM does – we adapt, we grow, we thrive.”
