Following the recent inauguration of the Dean by the Rector of Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the UNS Auditorium, the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) held a Dean Handover Ceremony in Meeting Room I, Soeharno TS Building at FEB.

The event, attended by all FEB UNS leadership, included the reading and signing of the handover document and the submission of the final report from the previous Dean’s term for 2019-2024.

In his remarks, Prof. Drs. Djoko Suhardjanto, M.Com.(Hons)., Ph.D., Ak., Dean from 2019 to 2024, congratulated Bhimo Rizky Samudro, S.E., M.Si., Ph.D., on his inauguration as the new Dean of FEB UNS for the 2024-2029 term.

Excitement filled the air as the Academic Support Staff warmly welcomed the new Dean in the lobby of the Soeharno TS Building following the inauguration.

“Congratulations to Mr. Bhimo on his inauguration. The lively reception by the Academic Support Staff after the ceremony shows everyone’s support for Mr. Bhimo’s leadership,” Prof. Djoko remarked. Prof. Djoko also highlighted several achievements and developments at FEB UNS during his tenure, as well as some ongoing initiatives for the new Dean to continue the hard work.

“Our undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs have all achieved top-tier accreditation, with the exception of the Digital Business program, which is currently in the accreditation process. Regarding international accreditation, we were previously accredited by AQAS, which is no longer recognized. I encourage Mr. Bhimo to pursue AACSB accreditation, the international standard recognized by the Ministry of Education, which requires everyone’s support,” he explained.

Additionally, he noted that FEB’s International Class is well-established, being the only such program at UNS, but acknowledged that work remains to further enhance its success and reputation.

Prof. Djoko pointed out that although much has been improved in terms of facilities, there are still areas that need attention, including international-standard classrooms, faculty offices, thesis examination rooms, and the expansion of the Al-Latief Mosque at FEB.

He encouraged further development within FEB not solely through budgeted funds but also by seeking external collaborations and sponsorships.

He also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among all FEB members, promoting harmony for FEB’s continued success. “Let’s bring everyone together without prioritizing any specific group, so FEB can thrive on an international level,” he stated.

The new Dean expressed gratitude for Prof. Djoko’s advice. “Thank you, Prof. Djoko, for your valuable guidance. The advice and tasks you’ve shared are certainly challenging and inspiring for us. There are numerous areas that will require my best responses. As mentioned by the Rector, there will be two-year evaluation period, during which we could be replaced if we don’t respond effectively. This is a personal challenge for me to perform my duties well. Prof. Djoko’s final message will serve as a benchmark for us in the new Dean’s office, maintaining harmony at FEB and addressing the tasks at hand,” he explained.

On this occasion, the Dean also extended his gratitude to the Vice Deans and Program Heads for their cooperation while he served as the Head of the S-1 Development Economics Program. He reminded everyone of the importance of learning from the virtues of past leaders and applying their valuable lessons.

“Although my leadership style may differ, the aim remains the same—to make FEB into an even more progressive and successful faculty,” he concluded.