Pioneering a new direction in academia, Dr. Seu’ula Johansson-Fua is embarking on groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing institutional leadership and sustainability throughout the Pacific region. A respected senior academic at The University of the South Pacific (USP), Dr. Johansson-Fua is one of two awardees of the Vice-Chancellor and President’s (VCP) Strategic Fund for Female Academics, an initiative launched last year to bolster female scholars on the brink of promotion by providing them with dedicated research opportunities.
Her project, entitled ‘Mana – Leadership and Sustainability of a Pacific Regional Institution,’ is focused on the Institute of Education (IoE) at USP. Dr. Johansson-Fua’s research, which takes on the challenge of breaking the glass ceiling in academia, aims to identify the strengths and credibility factors that have sustained the IoE since its establishment in 1975, marking its 50th anniversary.
The essence of Dr. Johansson-Fua’s project revolves around institutional resilience. “On a personal level, my research seeks to understand challenges and how we can do better. The agenda highlights improving services for our region,” she remarked. Her study aims to analyze the factors that have enabled the IoE to thrive for half a century while candidly addressing the failures and challenges it has encountered along the way.
As the Acting Head of the School of Pacific Arts, Communication, and Education (SPACE) and the substantive Director of the IoE, her vision is clear: to elevate both the Oceania Centre for Arts, Culture and Pacific Studies (OCACPS) and IoE to become premier research and development hubs for Pacific education, culture, languages, and indigenous knowledge over the next decade.
What sets this research apart is the incorporation of indigenous methodologies to examine organizational systems. Dr. Johansson-Fua plans to blend traditional Pacific research ethics with contemporary strategies, including the use of **talanoa**—a narrative approach that encourages dialogue and storytelling—to enrich her investigations. She believes that employing these methodologies will offer unique insights into Pacific systems that often go unrecognized in traditional academic frameworks.
Navigating her roles as a mother and scholar, Dr. Johansson-Fua also reflects on the personal challenges faced by women in academia. “The pressures for Pacific women are often at a personal and societal level,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of confidence and authenticity in academia. “You should bring your authentic self; your culture and identity are assets in your journey.”
Dr. Johansson-Fua encourages other Pacific women to seek mentors who can guide them in both academic and personal pursuits, stating that this mentorship has played a significant part in her own career development. Her commitment to advancing Pacific education through scholarship and research, particularly in educational leadership and Pacific research methodology, is a testament to her dedication to strengthening the region’s academic landscape.
As a recipient of the VCP Strategic Fund, Dr. Johansson-Fua will have invaluable time to thoroughly analyze and disseminate her findings, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on education and sustainability in the Pacific. This initiative not only enhances her research profile but also reflects a broader commitment to gender equity within academic institutions, paving the way for future female leaders in academia. With a positive vision for the future, Dr. Johansson-Fua’s work promises to impact not just her institution but the entire Pacific region.