TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Dr. Lan I-chen has been announced as the new president of Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), heralding a new era for the institution, the university said on Friday (Dec. 22).
Lan's appointment was officially sanctioned by the Vatican's Congregation for Catholic Education last Thursday, awaiting ultimate approval from Taiwan's Ministry of Education.
Set to succeed outgoing president Vincent Chiang, Lan, 54, is a seasoned scholar and administrator who will guide the century-old university into an innovative future, the university stated.
Lan has proposed a five-point development plan for the FJU — G.R.A.C.E — which includes global positioning, domestic student recruitment, international partnerships, collaboration with hospitals, academics, government, community, and industries, and entrepreneur and charity involvement.
These objectives are aimed at elevating the FJU's international standing, increasing enrollment of domestic and foreign students, and fostering collaborative approaches with numerous sectors to ensure sustainable development.
In response to Taiwan's declining birthrate, Lan plans to expand student intake by establishing outposts overseas in cooperation with Catholic universities, while maintaining educational quality.