The Philippine Normal University community formally welcomed Dr. Mekasha Kassaye Gobaw from Ethiopia to the university on January 10, 2024. In a simple program held at the Office of the President Conference Room, Dr. Gobaw received an orientation and an overview of the academic culture at PNU.

Present during this initial engagement with Dr. Gobaw were members of the PNU Management team, headed by University President Dr. Bert J. Tuga, along with Vice President for Student Success and Stakeholders Services Dr. Denmark L. Yonson, College of Advanced Studies Dean Dr. Antriman V. Orleans, and College of Alternative and Lifelong Learning Dean Dr. Celia M. Ilanan. Also in attendance were GCC Philippines Director Dr. Rowena R. Hibanada, CAS Deputy Dean Dr. Levi E. Elipane, Human Resource Management and Development Office Director Ms. Maribel G. Gerundio, and Auxiliary Services and Business Development Office Director Mr. Joseph G. Luceño.

Dr. Gobaw is a faculty member at the Center for Comparative Education and Policy Studies of Addis Ababa University. His expertise focuses on Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies. He also previously served as an English as a Second Language (ESL) professor at Ohio State University and a research fellow at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Given Dr. Gobaw’s expertise, he will serve as a visiting professor in CAS from January to July 2025 during Terms 2 and 3 of Academic Year 2024-2025. During this period, he is expected to engage in various academic, research, and extension activities in PNU Manila and campuses, and work collaboratively with PNU faculty and graduate students.

This engagement with Dr. Gobaw is a testament to PNU’s commitment to expanding its connections with more global experts as the university solidifies its position as an internationalization champion among state universities and colleges in the country. This visit also serves as a cornerstone for future collaborations with partners in the African region.