TU chooses Kesinee as second female rector

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TU chooses Kesinee as second female rector

By Chuleeporn Aramnet 
The Nation

 

Kesinee Vitoonchart

 

THAMMASAT UNIVERSITY (TU) vice president Kesinee Vitoonchart has been chosen as the new rector becoming the second woman to hold the role in the prestigious university’s history.

She will replace Somkit Lertpaithoon, whose term is due to end on November 23.

 

The Thammasat University Council heard policy proposals from Kesinee, 65, and the Faculty of Law’s trade and banking law programme head, Kamchai Chongchakkaphan, 55, who had both accepted nominations from the selection committee, said council president Noranit Setabutr. 

 

The policy hearing was held because the committee could not decide between the two candidates, according to Noranit. After a secret ballot, Kesinee won a majority 14 of the possible 27 votes. 

 

Somkit said Kesinee had asked to serve as acting rector until December 31 to cover an upcoming graduation ceremony and Thammasat University Day celebrations on December 9 and 10.

 

He said Kesinee would then serve as acting rector from January 1, pending an official appointment by His Majesty the King. 

 

Somkit said if people wanted to criticise the council’s choice of rector, they could do so within their rights because the university encouraged a culture of criticism and transparency.

 

“No matter who was chosen, [they] would face normal criticism anyway. Whoever serves as the TU rector must not shun from criticism but ensure that they face it and answer people’s questions bravely,” he said.

 

Kesinee said she would look at the big picture when administrating the university to help the country create a new generation of leaders to propel forward changes and innovations with communication and digital skills, and with a business-oriented vision. 

 

She added that she would allow students to choose entrepreneurial subjects as their minor.

 

Addressing questions about her age and health, Kesinee said she would put her full effort into working for the university and would bring in a new generation of team members.

 

She said she would allow students to have freedom of expression within appropriate limits, while maintaining the university’s spirit of placing the majority’s benefits first, helping the community and world development, and having a place among the people.

 

She added that there would be no age gap in her communication with students.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30330428

 

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