Overview
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic (PVCA) oversees the academic affairs of the university to the Vice Chancellor. The Pro-Vice Chancellors (Academic) is a member of the Senior Executive of the University, the Senate, and the Council. The office of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor is responsible to improve academic management in a dynamic and competitive sector; infrastructure and maintenance issues in support of academic activities. The main activities of the office of the PVC(A) are to manage the academic affairs of five faculties and two institutions, engage in scholarly activities via research and postgraduate studies, and Disseminate information via the university library system. (SINU.lib.net) Also, oversee the office of the Student Academic Services (SAS) to provide support for the academic requirements of students, Schools, and SINU ccourse structures and availabilities. SMS Course Admin & Student Data, as well as Standards and Quality Office (SQO).
Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic
Associate Professor Eric Katovai, PhD Pro Vice-Chancellor, Academic
Associate Professor Eric Katovai is a dedicated academic leader and accomplished environmental biologist with nearly two decades of experience in higher education. He currently serves as the Pro Vice-Chancellor – Academic at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), where he drives strategic academic development, nurtures innovative research, and builds strong institutional partnerships.
With a specialisation in ecosystem functioning, plant ecology, and biodiversity conservation and restoration, Associate Professor Katovai has spent his career addressing the unique environmental dynamics of Melanesia’s forests. His research expertise includes tropical forest ecology, focusing on biodiversity, vegetation dynamics, and ecosystem recovery in human-altered landscapes. His work in tropical forest restoration and ecosystem rehabilitation is deeply tied to sustainable policy development and community capacity-building in the Solomon Islands.
Before joining SINU, he held key academic and leadership positions, including Assistant Dean and Director of Research and Postgraduate Studies at Pacific Adventist University (PAU). He also served as Senior Lecturer and the Biodiversity Conservation Research Group Leader at the University of the South Pacific (USP) from 2019 to 2022, leading impactful research initiatives on conservation and sustainable development.
A strong advocate for young scientists, Associate Professor Katovai fosters research initiatives addressing local, regional, and global challenges. He remains committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of scholars.
His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Tropical Ecology from James Cook University, Australia, an MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Queensland, Australia, and Bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Physics. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Education in Biology and Physics from Pacific Adventist University, Papua New Guinea.
In his multifaceted roles and academic accomplishments, Associate Professor Katovai is a driving force in academia and environmental conservation, demonstrating unwavering dedication to research, education, and the ecological well-being of the Pacific Islands.
PVCA OFFICE STAFF
Myralyn Komolo is a Solomon Islander with an impressive professional background as a lawyer and extensive experience in administration, diplomacy, and international affairs. She is deeply passionate about research, policy formulation, and drafting, and thrives in collaborative, multicultural environments. She also values engaging with students to gather diverse perspectives and insights.
Ms. Komolo holds an array of academic qualifications, including:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Legislative Drafting (PDLD) – University of the South Pacific (USP)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (PDLP) – USP
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – USP
- Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Affairs (BA) – USP