UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to produce graduates who excel across diverse fields. One of them is Dr. Diana Rahmasari, an alumna of UNAIR’s Faculty of Psychology who now serves as Dean of the Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA). Her long journey as a student laid the foundation for her resilience and ultimately led her to a strategic leadership position in academia.
Discovering her path in psychology
Growing up in a family of eight siblings, Dr. Rahmasari was shaped by the work ethic modeled by her parents. Her father was a vocational school teacher, while her mother managed the household full-time. This environment taught her independence from a young age, including helping run the family’s small business. “Working in entrepreneurship since childhood really shaped my work attitude,” she recalled.
Those early experiences not only strengthened her discipline but also sharpened her sensitivity to human behavior and social dynamics. These insights drew her toward the field of psychology. The psychological dynamics within her family, her friendships, and her desire to understand people more deeply convinced her that psychology was the right path for her.
“I developed an interest in psychology back in high school. Friends often confided in me, and I found myself observing different psychological experiences around me. Psychology is knowledge aimed at helping people,” said Dr. Rahmasari.
Even so, the beginning of her academic career came with challenges. She relied on scholarships and part-time work to complete her studies before eventually serving as a school counselor and later becoming a lecturer at UNESA. These opportunities paved the way for her to pursue a master’s degree at UGM and a doctorate at UNAIR.
Initiating UNESA’s Crisis Center Mitigation Unit
Her track record of dedication eventually led to her appointment to several key roles within the university. She served as Secretary of UNESA’s Psychology Study Program during its early establishment, later becoming Department Chair, and ultimately playing a pivotal role in forming the Crisis Center Mitigation Unit (SMCC) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Because of my performance in SMCC, I was entrusted with the role of dean,” explained the expert in Adolescent Positive Psychology.
Her contributions to SMCC became one of the most defining chapters of her career. She was involved from the start, building its structure, designing its programs, and setting its direction throughout the pandemic. According to her, SMCC not only managed vaccination efforts and physical health needs for the academic community, but also provided mental-health support and rapid response during various crisis situations. Her commitment to ensuring daily operations, including working directly in the field, demonstrated her dedication to serving the campus community.
Throughout her leadership, she continues to emphasize the values instilled by her parents. Their upbringing, she said, continues to guide how she works and understands responsibility. “For me, work is both a mandate and a form of worship. It’s not about seeking praise, but about giving your best with sincerity,” she said.
In closing, Dr. Rahmasari shared a message for students to keep growing, dare to dream, and remain steadfast in their spiritual life. “Recognize your potential, continue to build your competencies, and develop strong character. And never abandon your connection to God.”
Author: Nur Khovivatul Mukorrobah
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
