The National University of Samoa (N.U.S) has announced the promotions of distinguished professionals who have excelled in the areas of teaching, service and research.

5 N.U.S academics have been recognised for their work towards teaching, service and research, which was announced in a statement issued by the University on Tuesday evening.

Professor Penelope Schoeffel of the Center of Samoan Studies has been recognised for her academic leadership in developing postgraduate programmes in development studies leading to international accreditation and her work in supervising PhD students supported by international grants, 

Her work also includes developing the Journal of Samoan Studies for the University.

Associate Professor Tuifuisaa Patila Amosa, dean of the faculty of Science has been recognised for her regional research leadership in climate change and effective administrative leadership and service to the University.

Associate Professor Tufuisaa has also led innovative programmes in the field of science.

Other academics promoted to Senior Lectureship were: Dr. Honiara Salanoa in Communication, Diana Betham Scanlan in English, and Jyothi Abraham in Nursing.

In an interview with the Samoa Observer on Tuesday, the President and the Vice-Chancellor of the N.U.S Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma stated that the promotions are actually an acknowledgment of the talent and the commitment and the passion of the academic staff in actually pursuing quality and high goals in research and education in their fields.

Aiono had highlighted the work of Associate Professor Tuifuisaa as a fantastic research leader in the field of science in Samoa, who is recognised in the region especially in New Zealand's Victoria University.

He emphasised that Associate Professor Tuifuisaa's support of the staff, the leadership qualities, and also the governance ability is extraordinary

Aiono explained that there are people moving up to ranks, and they have to earn it.

"And they have to show that there's excellence in research, service, and teaching, all three areas," he said.