Pacific Adventist University (PAU) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, has accepted its largest enrollment since opening its doors in 1984.

At a recent convocation ceremony (February 27), Professor Lohi Matainaho, vice chancellor of PAU, welcomed 635 new students, the largest intake of “first years” in the last 39 years.

“We welcome all our first-year students to PAU and want them to know our team is committed to providing them holistic education and experiences that will enable them to develop who they are and who they will grow to be throughout their life,” Matainaho said.

After seven additional students graduated at Monday’s convocation, Professor Lalen Simeon, deputy vice chancellor, declared that “a record high of 269 students graduated in 2022.”

More than 2,800 applications were submitted to study at PAU this past year.

With total enrollment now over 1,700, an asset master plan is being developed for growth with an investment in physical infrastructure, staff expansion and housing, student accommodations, digital technology, online training, and other services to support the expected increase in student enrolment.

A new act has been approved to replace the current PAU Act (1997). It is envisioned that the new act will strengthen these key elements: Pacific focus, the Adventist brand of education and training based on biblical principles, and excellence in university teaching and learning as paramount.

Council recently approved, in principle, the PAU Strategic Plan to govern the growth and transformation of PAU over the next ten years, focusing on excellence and growth, people and culture, research and commercialisation, and community partnerships.

“We want our students to pursue knowledge, make a difference, and be an inspiration to others,” said Matainaho. “We know we can call upon our students to experience and show others what they stand for, strive to find their purpose in life, to serve God and others, and to be global changers.”

Matainaho added, “With what our students gain at PAU, they will be expected to give back service to their community, their country(ies), and their God. We know our students will go out and make a difference to their community and be global change makers.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Record website.