Korea Aerospace University (KAU) held its 2026 New Year’s Ceremony on the morning of January 5 at the university’s main auditorium, officially marking the beginning of the new year. Faculty and staff members gathered to exchange greetings and share the university’s mid- to long-term vision as well as key initiatives for the year ahead.

Following university tradition, the ceremony began with participants exchanging handshakes and New Year’s well wishes. Members of the university community came together to greet one another, sharing the meaning of embarking on a new year collectively.

The event then featured congratulatory video messages from distinguished guests, including Mayor Lee Dong-hwan of Goyang Special City, National Assembly Member Han Jun-ho, and President Lee Sang-cheol of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. The speakers congratulated President Heo Hee-young on his reappointment and highlighted KAU’s role and achievements as a university closely connected to the aerospace industry. They also expressed hope that KAU would continue to play a meaningful role as a hub for aerospace research and talent development through collaboration with local communities, industry, and research institutions.

In his New Year’s address, President Heo Hee-young shared his reflections on beginning a new term as the 10th president of the university. Looking back on the changes and achievements made over the past four years amid a rapidly changing higher education environment, he expressed his gratitude to faculty and staff for their dedication. He also reviewed key initiatives from his previous term, including campus environment improvements, academic structure reforms, institutional enhancements, and new projects. President Heo noted that these efforts have led to positive changes in campus culture, improved financial stability, increased admissions competitiveness, and higher student satisfaction. He emphasized that the rise in student satisfaction and renewed sense of pride among university members form an important foundation for strengthening KAU’s competitiveness.

President Heo then outlined four strategic priorities for 2026. First, he emphasized curriculum reform to stabilize the flexible major selection system, aiming to realize meaningful interdisciplinary education through university-wide coordination following discussions at the college level. He also stressed the importance of educational innovation to proactively respond to AI-driven and digital transformation, as well as rapidly changing higher education environments.

As the second priority, President Heo presented the vision of advancing into a global comprehensive aerospace university. He designated 2026 as a pivotal year for expanding global initiatives and announced plans to establish an internationalization task force to systematically enhance student exchange programs, joint research with overseas universities, and cooperation with international organizations.

The third priority focused on expanding campus infrastructure. Addressing the increasing number of international students, trainees at aviation technology and safety education institutes, and the shortage of laboratory and practice spaces for graduate students, President Heo stated that the university would explore mid- to long-term solutions, including cooperation with local governments, to secure spaces suitable for education and research.

Lastly, President Heo emphasized strengthening university promotion and external engagement to more effectively communicate KAU’s educational and research achievements and potential to academia, industry, government, and the international community. He also expressed plans to expand the university’s presence by actively supporting students’ participation in conferences, forums, competitions, and other external activities.

Concluding his address, President Heo underscored that people are the university, noting that KAU functions properly only when professors, staff, and students each fulfill their roles. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continuously improving faculty and staff welfare.

Following the New Year’s address, the ceremony continued with the introduction of senior administrators and a cake-cutting ceremony attended by the president and representatives of faculty, staff, and students, symbolizing unity and a hopeful start to the new year. After the event, commemorative rice cakes and gifts were distributed to attendees, and free tteokguk (rice cake soup) was served at the campus cafeteria during lunchtime, allowing all members to share in the spirit of the new year.

The 2026 New Year’s Ceremony concluded as a meaningful occasion for the KAU community to reflect on past achievements, share future directions, and reaffirm their commitment to a new beginning together.

Inaugural Address of the 10th President