Prof. Deok-Hee Do Appointed as the 8^th President of Korea Maritime and Ocean University[A1] 

“Establishing world-class research capability and campus environment as an R&D-oriented president.”

Prof. Deok-Hee Do, 57, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering was appointed as the Eighth President of Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU).

KMOU announced on November[A2]  7^th that Prof. Deok-Hee Do has been appointed as the 8^th president, following the presidential candidate elections held on July 16^th. Prof. Do underwent the procedure of recommendation by the Department of Education, review and selection by the State Council of Korea, and approval from the President (ROK). He has been elected for a four-year term, from November 8, 2019, to November 7, 2023.

Prof. Do said, “Together, we will develop the university's advancement strategy, in line with the 4th Industrial Revolution, and raise the university's future viability through tangible outcomes from industry-academia collaboration.” He further emphasized that, “The first challenge at hand would be to resolve any conflicts that arose during the electoral process and the 2^nd university ranking evaluation, and promote harmonization across the university through effective communication.”

In his electoral pledge, Prof. Do expressed his strong determination to build and develop world-class research capabilities in an environment where there is less concern about research funds or grants, emphasizing the message “Outcome-sharing R&D-oriented president.” He also expressed his commitment to globalize the campus environment to create a “likeable and recommendable university,” and enhance educational competitiveness through close collaboration with the industry. Prof. Do has played a key role in building a cutting-edge marine industry open lab, in collaboration with maritime innovation city public agencies, and planning an autonomous ship technology development project. His experience and expertise are expected to strengthen KMOU’s position as the 4^th leading Maritime Innovation City.

Prof. Do received his Master's degree from Korea Maritime and Ocean University (KMOU), and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tokyo, Japan. He was appointed as professor of KMOU in 1995, and has served as the dean of its engineering college from 2015 to 2017. He also served as the President of the Ocean Academy. In addition, he was the Chairman of the Korean Society of Visualization, Editor-in-Chief of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers, Chairman of Organizational Operations of the KORMARINE Conference, and Director of the Maritime Academy, Seapower League of the Republic of Korea.

KMOU will host the inaugural ceremony of the 8th President of the university Prof. Do around early December. Staff, students, alumni, and leaders and members of local authorities and communities have been invited for the event.