Fulton Adventist University College has received provisional approval to operate as Fulton Adventist University, marking a new chapter in the institution’s 120-year history.

The approval, granted by the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HEC) on October 3, 2025, allows the university to operate under its new status for six months while the Fulton Adventist University Bill progresses through parliament, the country's highest level of government. The Commission will then reassess the university’s readiness for full recognition.

A ceremony held on October 8 at Fulton’s Sabeto campus in Nadi, Fiji, celebrated the milestone. Church leaders from across the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), Fulton staff and students, and HEC representatives attended the event. During the program, the institution’s iconic stone letters, which previously read FAUC, were symbolically updated to FAU to reflect the university’s new identity.

Ratu Moape is currently the longest-serving staff member at Fulton and was given the honor of removing the stones.

In his address, Dr. Ronald Stone, vice-chancellor, described the transition as a continuation of Fulton’s mission of education and service.

“Today we gather not merely to celebrate a new title, but to honour God and a legacy of dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to education and service,” he said. “Our commitment to providing a holistic education—one that nurtures the mind, soul and spirit—will remain steadfast.”

HEC director Dr. Eci Naisele congratulated the university, noting Fulton’s long-standing contribution to higher education in Fiji.

“Fulton was among the first institutions in the country to gain full registration and accreditation for its programs under the Higher Education Commission,” he said.

According to Naisele, achieving university status is not easy, but Fulton not only met the required criteria, but it also fulfilled a specific need within Fiji’s higher education system.

“There were consultations about whether another university was needed,” he explained, “but your vision and mission met a genuine need because there’s no clash with other universities.”

Maveni Kaufononga, South Pacific Division vice president and former chair of the Fulton Board, said the change reflects years of dedication by many leaders and educators.

“Having served as chair, I have witnessed firsthand the commitment and vision of the team. The future for FAU is bright, and I am confident it will continue to make a profound impact on students, the community, and the Pacific,” he shared.

TPUM Education Director Talonga Pita highlighted the milestone’s significance for Adventist education in the Pacific.

“Fulton has been the educational hub of the Pacific islands for many years,” he said. “It has trained thousands of workers who now serve in churches, communities, governments, and NGOs across the region. Reaching university status will strengthen its role in training leaders grounded in God’s Word and committed to serving others.”

Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fulton offers programs in theology, education, and business studies, serving students from 11 Pacific nations. It joins Avondale University in Australia and Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea as the third Adventist university within the SPD.

Fulton will celebrate its 120th anniversary later this year, from November 26 to 29, with a reunion event expected to bring together alumni, former staff, and supporters to reflect on the institution’s legacy and future direction.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.