Universitas Islam Malang (UNISMA) marked a significant milestone by inaugurating three new full professors during an Open Senate Session held at the Round Hall Building on Tuesday (October 7, 2025). The addition of these distinguished scholars not only enriches the university’s academic human resources but also fundamentally strengthens UNISMA’s path toward realizing its vision of becoming a World-Class University.
With this inauguration, the total number of active professors at UNISMA has increased to 24. The Rector of UNISMA, Prof. Drs. H. Junaidi Mistar, M.Pd., Ph.D., expressed his pride that all newly appointed professors are products of the university’s own academic development system.
According to the Rector, this achievement reflects a healthy and sustainable academic culture within this Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)-affiliated university.
“These professors are at the forefront of driving UNISMA forward toward becoming a World-Class University,” Prof. Junaidi affirmed.
He further emphasized that attaining the highest academic rank should serve as a catalyst rather than a final destination.
“We hope that reaching the pinnacle of academic promotion does not mark the end of productivity. On the contrary, earning the title of professor should further strengthen research initiatives and academic mentorship,” he added.
The three newly inaugurated professors bring strategic expertise across diverse fields:
- Dr. Dwi Fita Heriyawati, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Faculty of Teacher Training and Education) specializes in ICT in English Language Teaching (ELT). In her inaugural lecture, she highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, including ChatGPT, in shaping students’ academic literacy and critical thinking skills. She delivered a powerful message:
“I believe technology will never replace teachers. However, teachers who master technology will replace those who do not. That is the challenge facing education today.” - Dr. Husain Latuconsina, S.Pi., M.Si. (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences) specializes in Bioconservation. His research focuses on conserving ichthyofaunal biodiversity within seagrass ecosystems, which are crucial for fisheries sustainability and food security.
- Novi Arfarita, S.P., M.P., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture) specializes in Agricultural Bioremediation and Functional Microorganisms. Her research has produced an innovative technology known as Micro Master BioferNA (TMMB), aimed at rehabilitating degraded agricultural land and reducing agrochemical pollution.
Prof. Junaidi expressed hope that innovations such as BioferNA would generate tangible impacts on national agricultural productivity. The inauguration of these three professors is expected not only to enhance UNISMA’s internal academic excellence but also to expand its contribution in addressing both national and global challenges.
