Choi Ki-young waves the university flag at his inauguration ceremony Wednesday. [Inha University]
Choi Ki-young waves the university flag at his inauguration ceremony Wednesday. [Inha University]

Choi Ki-young took office Wednesday as president of Inha University in Incheon.

Speaking at his inauguration as the university's 17th president, Choi pledged to make Inha a leader in educational and research innovation. "I will place student growth as the most important value and build a proud 100-year Inha where tomorrow is more promising than today," he said.

Choi earned a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering from Seoul National University in 1987, followed by a master's degree in 1989 and a doctorate in aerospace engineering from Stanford University in 1994. He joined Inha's Department of Aerospace Engineering as a professor in September 2000 and has devoted the years since to teaching and research.

Within the university, he has held a series of senior administrative posts, including director of international affairs, head of the internationalization project office, head of the IUT project office, dean of academic affairs, provost, and dean of the Graduate School of Aerospace and Defense. Beyond campus, he serves as policy committee chair of the Korean Society for Aeronautical and Space Sciences and as an advisory committee member on Air Force policy development. Since July, he has also chaired the Aviation and Railway Accident Investigation Board.

Choi's term runs through Aug. 31, 2030.


gilbert@heraldcorp.com