Academia
•
Prof. Frank Bezzina officially takes over as UM's 82nd Rector
On Tuesday 30 June, 2026, members of the University of Malta community gathered at the Church of the University (Jesuits Church) in Valletta to witness Professor Alfred J. Vella handing over the Rectorship of the University of Malta to Professor Frank Bezzina, as the New Rector will officially assume office on 1 July 2026.
The ceremony, which was livestreamed via UM’s social media channels as well as the Public Broadcasting Service, the national broadcaster, was attended by Her Excellency, the President of Malta, Dr Myriam Spiteri Debono, as well as a number of political figures.
The celebrations, presided by UM’s Pro-Chancellor, Perit Karmenu Vella, began with a ceremonial procession from the Valletta Campus to the Church of the University, led by the UM’s ceremonial mace. The current mace, commissioned by former Rector Prof. Juanito Camilleri, was first carried during the installation of Rector Prof. Alfred J. Vella in 2016, symbolising the continuity of the University's traditions and leadership.
Addresses were delivered by Dr Colin Borg, UM’s Academic Registrar, Reverend Professor Stefan Attard, Dean, Faculty of Theology, Mr Nicholas Muscat, President of the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji, on behalf of the student body, and Prof. Alfred J. Vella, outgoing Rector.
Following these, a declaration was made by Perit Vella, on behalf of the UM Council (who, back in March 2026, unanimously elected Prof. Bezzina), and the handing over part of the ceremony unfolded.
Dr Amy Colman recited Max Ehrmann's prose poem, Desiderata, towards the end of the ceremony.
A varied musical programme performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mro Hermann Farrugia Frantz accompanied the ceremony throughout.
Prof. Bezzina’s appointment marks the 82nd Rectorship since the University’s founding in 1592. Since its re-establishment as a public institution, the University has been led by 29 different Rectors. The longest-serving Rector was Saverio Schembri, who held office for 26 years (1854–1880), while the shortest-serving was Giovanni Villet Bellet, whose tenure lasted less than a year in 1798.
Asked about his vision for the University, Prof. Frank Bezzina eagerly said “I want to create a balance between excellence and relevance, tradition and innovation, and between ambition and sustainability.”
The University would like to express its deepest gratitude to Prof. Alfred J. Vella, 81st Rector, for his dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment, and outstanding service throughout his tenure.
Latest articles
