Pusan National University (PNU) President Cha Jeong-In is nearing the end of his four-year term, which ends on May 11th. After graduating PNU Department of Law and Graduate School of Law from the class of ’79, he has been with PNU since 2006 as an educator. Having served as a professor in the Department of Law, vice president of the Faculty Council, and dean of the Graduate School of Law, President Cha has dedicated nearly 20 years to PNU.

On April 8th, “Channel PNU” met with President Cha Jeong-In in his office and heard his reflections on his four-year tenure as president and his sincere feelings about PNU ahead of his retirement.

Q. You’ve been an educator at PNU for a long time. How did you choose this path?

A. Initially, after passing the bar examination in 1986, I worked as a prosecutor and lawyer. Of course, it was a significant job, and I found it rewarding. However, I felt like something was missing. I longed for my alma mater, PNU campus, and the academic world. The university is paradise on earth because paradise is a place where the pursuit of truth and the cultivation of talent are everyday goals. That’s why I go to paradise called PNU as an educator.

Q. Then, was there a specific reason why you decided to become the president?

A. Despite the difficult situation that regional universities are facing, I believe PNU is different, and it must be different. I also believe that PNU can be different. I wanted to be the president who could unleash the high potential of PNU.

Q. Since taking office, what values have been most important to you?

A. The university should be a humanity community of people who study, and the clear water flowing from the university should nourish our society. So those in academia should speak and act with truth and integrity. Values such as truth and integrity have been what I’ve pursued as PNU president.

I also wanted to remember that power and responsibility are synonyms. The fact that the president holds significant power means he has a great responsibility to exercise that power correctly. For example, when people talk about the powers of the president, they actually talk about the responsibility of the president. Mindful of this point, I wanted to become an honorable and bold president who revives the PNU.

Q. You created the slogan “Bold Intellect Leading the Era (Leap Forward).” What does it mean?

A. I’ve heard a lot of positive feedback about this slogan from both inside and outside PNU. “Leading the Era” signifies the university’s mission. Particularly, PNU has a mission to lead the era of balanced national development. “Bold” represents a characteristic that runs through the history of PNU. To progress, this boldness is needed for both the university and individuals. We cannot be timid. This applies to both me and the students. We must confidently express our opinions in front of anyone.

Q. Looking back on your past projects, which one stands out the most in your memory?

A. The most memorable project is the integration with Busan National University of Education (BNUE). University integration comes with many obstacles. One of the most important factors in overcoming these obstacles and achieving integration is trust in the president of the partner university. Therefore, we built and strengthened trust and overcame hurdles for nearly three years. I believe we have accomplished something beneficial for the nation.

With this integration, PNU has truly become a huge university. Currently, both university evaluations and university brand evaluations have significantly improved, and the expectations of the local residents are high. Just as Malmö University in Sweden revived the declining Malmö city, PNU should play a key role in making Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam the second axis for Korean growth. Starting with integration as a turning point, it is time for PNU and the leaders of local communities to come together and paint the big picture for the future.

Q. What was the most challenging and difficult aspect of promoting the integration with BNUE and the Glocal University project?

A. If I had to pick one, it would be the opposition from BNUE students. There was a misunderstanding among BNUE students that PNU students would obtain elementary school teaching qualifications by pursuing a double major at BNUE. To dispel this misunderstanding, I appointed a BNUE student, who was the dean of the Emergency Response Committee as a member of the Integration Discussion Committee and engaged in dialogues to address the misunderstanding. I also accompanied this student to the Glocal University evaluation committee.

Q. During your term, the campus environment has undergone significant changes. Can you tell us about the background behind the planning of the “Campus Master Plan?"

A. During the first PNU President Yun In-Gu’s tenure, there was an initial concept for the campus. I intended to understand and revive that concept. I wanted to stop the haphazard development and correct the overall framework even now. Instead of just passing by the University Museum, I hope people will stop and take a moment to appreciate the scenery. They will feel the spirit of the PNU founders.

Q. What is your favorite place on campus? 

A. As you enter through the Rainbow Gate and pass by the Tower of Great Leap, the Humanities Building gradually comes into view. I think this scene is very moving. I feel that the founders of PNU had a very high aesthetic sense. Another favorite spot is the green area between the University Museum and Jangseungteo. With its terraced greenery, the museum is set against the backdrop of Geumjeongsan and the sky, creating a truly beautiful scene.

Q. You have consistently emphasized the growth of regional universities. How should PNU move forward from now on?

A. We have been trying to drive the growth of regional universities, but I believe it’s not enough. The scale of the government’s policies regarding regional universities needs to be expanded further. At least, policies that nurture PNU into another Seoul National University (SNU) should be announced. The project “Creation of the 10 SNU” advocated by Professor Kim Jong-Young at Kyung Hee University has a big scale and we must make it real. We have been working on this with the presidents of the national flagship university, but it seems this task will be passed on to the next PNU president.

Q. PNU is facing various major projects. If you have a message you would like to convey to the next president, please share.

A. I believe he will do well. The president must strive not to miss opportunities to make significant reforms because every day involves important decisions. I hope he gathers the wisdom of the vast academic community with an open-minded attitude. The PNU members should also support the president to succeed.

Q. What was the most joyful moment for you during your term?

A. The happiest moment for me was last November when the revised bill of Act on the Development of Local Universities passed the National Assembly Law Subcommittee. PNU contributed to the making of a national law. As I entered the Main Administration Building that day, I shouted “Hooray for PNU!” three times. Everyone looked at me.

Q. Then, what were some wistful parts during your term?

A. Although we made considerable efforts to establish a veterinary college, it remains unfinished. Many people including the members of the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly from the two biggest parties support the establishment of PNU veterinary college. Currently, we made the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to have a second study on the demand for veterinarians and veterinary science. I hope the next president will see the fruits of our efforts.

Q. If you evaluate your term, how many points out of 10 would you give?

A. I would give a score more than 9 out of 10 for effort, but in terms of results, I would say about 7. Despite continuous efforts, there are still many things left undone. PNU has yet to reach the level of being another SNU representing the southern region of Korea. I hope that excellent people will continue to emerge as the next presidents and fill in the lacking areas.

Q. PNU students seem to feel friendly towards you, often calling you by various nicknames. What efforts did you make to communicate with the students?

A. I’ve heard various nicknames, and I like them all. Although I couldn’t meet students frequently, whenever there was an opportunity for conversation, I tried to communicate honestly. Also, I think PNU students know that I want to do my best for them in any situation. To enrich students’ experiences, I made efforts to send more students to CES (Consumer Electronics Show), second only to POSTECH, and provided the highest level of financial support in the country for students from protective facilities. We also improved learning environments like the “Saebyeokbyeoldang,” and made efforts to make festivals more enjoyable. You can look forward to this year’s Daedong-Je.

Q. What does PNU mean to you?

A. My parents were the door to the world, and PNU was the door to society. Everything that makes me capable of living as an individual within society was shaped at PNU. And the past four years have been a time when I could work wholeheartedly for my beloved PNU. I am truly fortunate.

Q. What is the one thing you most want to do after your term as president ends?

A. First, I plan to teach at the law school, which I have taken a break from for several years. As for what comes after that, I haven’t thought deeply yet. However, I think I will enjoy whatever I do. I expect to engage in activities such as reading, writing, spending time with friends, and meeting excellent people in various fields to learn and discover more.

Q. Lastly, could you please share a few words for the PNU members including the students?

A. I am deeply grateful to all the members of PNU. I appreciate the hard work and support of the faculty and students. Over the past four years, I have had the honor of representing this great academic community. I am fortunate to finish my term without any major mistakes, and I intend to make the most of the remaining time. I wish you all the best and happiness.

Reporter Yoon Da-Gyo and Jo Seung-Wan

Translated by Ha Chae-Won