UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to produce alumni who make meaningful contributions in various professional sectors. One of them is Dr. Rr. Amanda Pasca Rini, S.Psi., M.Si., Psychologist, who completed her doctoral studies in Psychology at UNAIR with cumlaude distinction. She currently holds a strategic leadership position as Vice Rector at Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (UNTAG) Surabaya.
Dr. Rini’s dedication shaped a long and consistent academic career at UNTAG Surabaya, where she has served for more than two decades. She began her academic career at the university in 1999, focusing on Industrial and Organizational Psychology as well as Social Psychology. While pursuing her doctoral degree, she had to balance demanding responsibilities as a lecturer alongside her involvement in several professional organizations. “During my doctoral studies, I had to manage my time carefully while handling teaching responsibilities and organizational commitments,” she said.
Over the years, Dr. Rini was entrusted with several strategic leadership roles, including Head of the Psychological Services and Consultation Unit and Head of the Master’s Program in Psychology. These positions strengthened her managerial experience and leadership capacity. Her leadership journey reached another milestone when she served as Dean of the Faculty of Psychology from 2021 to 2025. “Strong coordination and effective time management were key factors in helping me navigate various professional challenges,” she added.
Managing academic and institutional responsibilities
In her current role as Vice Rector I responsible for academic affairs, Dr. Rini carries a vision for advancing institutional quality. She actively promotes the implementation of the Internal Quality Assurance System (SPMI) within the university environment. Through this initiative, she aims to ensure that improvements in higher education quality are implemented consistently and sustainably. “This strategic initiative is essential for universities that aim to remain competitive at both national and international levels,” she explained.
Throughout her academic career, Dr. Rini has also built extensive professional networks. She has served as a reviewer for the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) scholarship program, one of the country’s most prestigious scholarship initiatives. Her dedication has also strengthened her reputation within the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI), particularly in the East Java region.
Expanding impact through community service
Beyond her academic responsibilities, Dr. Rini actively contributes her expertise to support the broader community. She has provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) to help individuals maintain emotional stability during crisis situations. Recently, she also delivered psychoeducation on emotional regulation for beginner female paratroopers within the Indonesian Navy. Her contributions have gained national recognition, reflected in her appointment as Deputy Treasurer of the Central Board of HIMPSI for the 2022 to 2026 term.
Author: Putri Andini
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
