Silliman University elects 1st female president

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Silliman University (SU) has elected a new president, who is also the first female chief executive to head the prestigious and world-renowned educational institution in Dumaguete City.

After months of deliberation and screening, the SU's Board of Trustees (BOT) – in its meeting in Manila last Tuesday –unanimously chose Dr. Betty Cernol McCann as the university's 13th president, according to a statement from BOT chairman Ricardo A. Balbido Jr.

McCann is slated to succeed Dr. Ben S. Malayang III on June 2018. A transition between the two administrations is set to begin next year.

In another statement, Malayang welcomed his successor, thanking the BOT for its decision that will allow SU to have a "brighter future."

Malayang described McCann: "She loves Silliman, she has competence, integrity, and a strong faith, and she is committed to advance the well-being of our Alma Mater."

As the next SU president, McCann seeks to build up whole person education in Silliman's teaching and non-teaching programs and services, and ensure that Silliman's leadership and operation observe the integrity of purpose, sound fiscal management, and financial stability.

She was elected among four other candidates for president: Former diplomat Dr. McArthur Corsino, US-based Sociology professor Dr. Efren Padilla, SU vice president for academic affairs Dr. Betsy Joy Tan, and Bukidnon State University Associate Dean for Student Services Dr. Beulah Rose Torres.

McCann is a graduate of the Divine Word University in Tacloban, earning her bachelor's degree in Psychology/Political Science in 1970 (magna cum laude). She then pursued further studies at the La Consolacion College, where she obtained her Master of Arts in Education major in Guidance and Counseling degree in 1975. She earned her doctorate degree in Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1987.

She started teaching in Silliman as an Assistant Professor in 1981, rising through the ranks as she became Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and eventually vice president for academic affairs from 1990 to 1992, and then from 1999 to 2002. She even served as acting university president from 1992 to 1994.

After her stint in Silliman, McCann went to Hong Kong to serve as associate director at the Asian Christian Higher Education Institute (Asian Institute) from 2002 to 2006.

In 2003, McCann was appointed program director for South Asia at the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), and then became its vice president for programs from 2007 until 2013.

A native of  Zamboanga del Sur, McCann now lives in Dumaguete City with her husband Dennis and is blessed with three children. (FREEMAN)