UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) officially conferred full professorships upon four distinguished academics from the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The ceremony, held at the Garuda Mukti Hall on the MERR-C Campus, marked a significant milestone in the academic careers of the newly appointed professors.
The honorees are Prof. Dr. Ahmad Rizki Sridadi, SH, MM, MH, Professor in Human Resource Management; Prof. Dr. Ardianto, SE, MSi, Ak, CA, Professor in Behavioral and Performance Accounting; Prof. Dr. Zaenal Fanani, SE, MSA, Ak, CA, ACPA, Professor in Financial Accounting and Capital Markets; and Prof. Dr. Hamidah, SE, MSi, Ak, CA, CMA, CRMO, QGIA, QIA, CACP, Professor in Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Accounting Standards.
In his address, Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, SE, MSi, MFin emphasized that the title of professor represents far more than academic recognition, it is a moral and intellectual responsibility to continually contribute to the advancement of knowledge. “A professorship is not merely a personal achievement but a symbol of academic excellence and a call to sustain meaningful scholarly work,” he said.
Strengthening collaboration and research impact
Prof. Madyan underscored the importance of professors as key drivers in enhancing UNAIR’s ecosystem of research and innovation. He encouraged the newly inaugurated professors to lead cross-disciplinary and international collaborations that generate impactful scholarship. Such achievements, he noted, will motivate other scholars to pursue academic excellence and elevate the university’s standing.
“I hope this achievement motivates other scholars to follow suit. With the growing number of professors, Universitas Airlangga will further solidify its reputation as one of the world’s leading universities,” he stated, citing UNAIR’s position at 287th globally in the QS World University Rankings.
The FEB professor also stressed that the contributions of professors play a vital role in UNAIR’s efforts to enhance its international reputation. He remarked that the scientific orations delivered during the ceremony reflect the university’s dedication to producing research that remains relevant, impactful, and beneficial to society. These achievements, he added, serve as foundational pillars of UNAIR’s international research prestige.
Advancing innovation with moral integrity
Prof. Madyan encouraged the new professors to pursue research and innovation that are practical and beneficial to the broader community. Within the context of digital transformation, he pointed to the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) as a collaborative partner in creating integrated and efficient academic systems.
Nevertheless, he reminded the audience that technological advancement must always be balanced with moral conscience and ethical awareness.
“Excellence in human resources is measured not only by intellectual capability but also by moral and humanitarian values,” he asserted. “With the spirit of Excellence with Morality, let us continue shaping Universitas Airlangga into a center of knowledge, one that excels in innovation and exemplifies integrity, wisdom, and humanity.”
The rector concluded his remarks with optimism that this inauguration would further strengthen UNAIR’s contributions to science, technology, and national welfare. “May your knowledge and work always bring value to our alma mater, the people, and the nation,” Prof. Madyan concluded.
Author: Ahmad Abid Zhahiruddin
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
