As a new year begins, I would like to extend my best wishes for a bright future to all the students, faculty, staff, and alumni of CNU, as well as those who have been supporting the development of the University over the past years.
 
A new year does not mean a new world. The sun that came out this morning is the same one we saw yesterday. We know that, but still we keep dreaming. Why? It is because we know that without dreams, we are unable to realize gains. And there is no better time than the New Year to make new resolutions.

  The year 2006 will be remembered as a memorable one in the history of CNU. We successfully merged with Yeosu National University, the first and only case of its kind in Korea. Opinions on the merger vary, however when considering our ideals and the current social values, CNU is confident this move is one we can be proud of.

Progress measures have confirmed this thus far. The success of the merger can largely be attributed to the commitment and support of the numerous stakeholders of CNU and local residents. Throughout history, the people of the Honam area have always put the interest of their community and country before their own. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude for their efforts.

  We regret failing to receive approval to open an oriental medical school at CNU, one of the University's major goals for 2006. CNU will do its best to fulfill this goal in accordance with its educational policies and principles. I believe trust is essential for the development of education and society as a whole. Without trust between individuals, public and private organizations, and governments, the promise of a better society would never be realized.

CNU's stakeholders have faith and confidence that the University will be responsible for and work to overcome its shortcomings. We must adhere to the Greek proverb that reminds us that the greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising every time we fail.

  Last year, CNU was ranked seventh in terms of the number of projects supported by the second stage of the BK 21 national research fund, and tenth in the amount of funding received for research purposes. CNU has attracted many large-scale research projects. In 2005, the University was granted 81.4 billion won in research funds overall, ranking seventh in terms of research funding awarded in the nation and first among national universities located outside Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.

  We have solidified the foundation for future development by engaging many great scholars with a strong track record in research and doing away with the archaic faculty employment practice. In 2006, twenty CNU graduates and students passed the national bar exam, ranking CNU eighth among the nation's universities.

 Numerous CNU students have also passed various professional exams to become licensed chartered personal accountants, tax accountants, and livestock engineers. Of course, the numbers and rankings do not fully represent the virtues of the University. But we may derive great happiness in knowing the efforts of our students and faculty members have made all of this possible.

From an educational perspective, 2006 could not have been more rewarding. Many diverse educational programs were launched successfully with very desirable results. Many student community programs such as Gongbu-ilchon, Tutoring, E-motko, and Deonaga have drawn seniors and juniors, and professors and students, making learning enjoyable and fun once again for its participants.

They have also created a synergy effect among other study groups, departments, and colleges in CNU. In addition, international exchanges have continued to be an important part of our comprehensive learning strategy.

Each year, 1,400 CNU students have received support to study overseas, and a growing number of foreign students and faculty members now work and study on campus. CNU motivates students to grow, but it is the passion and will of the students that drive them to succeed.

In the New Year, society has asked for higher moral standards as part of higher education. The voice of criticism resounds loudly that ivory towers lack the ability to undergo changes while harshly demanding changes from society.

Yet, the call for change must come from within, not from the outside. We live in an era that values effort more than goals. All of us as leaders in this era must have initiative and integrity. We must look beyond ourselves, our departments, and University.

We must follow exceptional examples and become role models ourselves, adopting common values toward the betterment of the nation and mankind as a whole.

  As President of CNU, with the support of the students, faculty members, and staff, I give you my word that we will save no effort to cultivate talents, teach students our universal values, encourage them to go deeper into their fields of study, and restore trust in society at large.

  CNU boasts a rich history as a leader in Korean democracy. Evidence of this are the Educational Index announced by the eleven CNU faculty members in 1978 and the May 18th Democratic Movement held in CNU in 1980. We will continue our efforts to establish Honam Study as an academic field, towards developing the spirit and culture of the people and this area.

  On a personal note, I chose this school and job because I felt I had a heartfelt mission here. I believe the same applies to most of you. We must continue with our work despite the efforts of some to dissuade us.

  The year 2007 appears before us as a clean white canvas. We know what we accomplished last year, what we must continue to do this year, and what we must begin or change in the future. Our hopes and efforts along with time and the cooperation between students, faculty members, and local residents will allow us to fulfill all of the University's goals. The year 2007 is one full of promise. Now is the time to get started.

Jung-chaee Kang, M.D.
President