Change, and Continuity: UM Leadership in transition

Leadership transitions mark important moments in the life of a university. They also provide an opportunity to reflect on achievements, celebrate meaningful contributions, all while looking ahead to new possibilities.

As Prof. Alfred J. Vella concludes a period of dedicated leadership here at the university, something which we are all immensely grateful for, with Prof. Frank Bezzina, the 82^nd Rector, about to start his term, THINK has interviewed both.

In the article titled The Makings of a Rector: Inside the Decade Prof. Alfred J. Vella Redefined the University of Malta, written by Rebekah Zammit, Prof. Vella reflects on the importance of guarding the right to academic freedom, which he formally reaffirmed in November 2025 when he signed the Magna Charta Univerersitatum 2020, touches upon the belief that a university should be able to reflect on its own strengths to uplift its immediate community, and the twin missions of the last decade, namely bringing research activities onto equal footing with its teaching mission, and better preparing staff to educate students.

In What’s Next? Prof. Frank Bezzina’s Vision for the University of Malta, written by Timothy Alden, the newly appointed Rector says he assumes the role with “an unusually broad institutional perspective”, having served in a range of public positions across diverse national institutions. This experience informs his vision of clear, evidence-based governance. Prof. Bezzina says he aims to “nurture a culture that is both rigorous and open”. “We must maintain our standards but be open to change, collaboration and critical reflection,” he says. Quality assurance and student wellbeing will be foundational priorities, remaining central to the University’s continued development and success.