The National University of Samoa has announced the appointment of Letuimanu’asina Emma Kruse Vaai as its Pro-Chancellor for the next three years.

The new role taken on by Letuimanu’asina became effective 4 February this year and she takes over from her predecessor Aeau Chris Hazelman who had chaired the N.U.S Council for six years.

She holds a PhD from the University of NSW in Sydney, Australia and has other qualifications from Victoria University of Wellington which includes an Honorary PhD in Literature.

Prior to her Pro-Chancellor appointment, she worked at the N.U.S as a lecturer, Professor of English and Applied Linguistics and as Deputy Vice Chancellor from 2005–2016.

She was also Deputy C.E.O at the Samoa Polytechnic from 2001–2005 and was most recently the Chief Executive Officer of the Samoa Qualifications Authority.

As a writer, Letuimanu’asina has published poetry and stories which have been translated into other Pacific Island languages.

According to a N.U.S. media release, as the N.U.S. Pro-Chancellor and Chair, she will be leading the N.U.S Council in ensuring the university performs its functions in attaining the highest standards of excellence in education, training and research promoting economic and social development in Samoa.

The other recently appointed N.U.S. Councillors are Peseta Sam Lou-IIga, Muliagatele Dr Potoae Roberts-Aiafi and Muaausa Joseph Walter.

The N.U.S. President and Vice-Chancellor Aiono Professor Alex Ekeroma has been contacted by the Samoa Observer for comment.