University of Muhammadiyah Purworejo (UMPWR) - held an Open Senate Meeting with the agenda of Professor Inauguration, namely Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd., and Prof. Dr. Siska Desy Fatmaryanti, M.Si. The inauguration ceremony took place on Thursday, 30 June 2025 at the Auditorium Kasman Singodimejo UMPWR. The inauguration ceremony was attended by university officials, lecturers, and education staff of UMPWR, as well as various invited guests such as the Education and Research Council of PP Muhammadiyah represented by Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, Ph.D., Ak., CA., CPA., Chairman of the Regional Leadership of ‘Aisyiyah Central Java, Rector of UNIMMA, Rector of Unimugo, and colleagues of both professors. The event was filled with speeches and remarks from the Rector of UMPWR and the two new Professors.
Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd., and Prof. Dr. Siska Desy Fatmaryanti, M.Si., have shown outstanding dedication and contribution in the academic and research fields. They have published various scientific papers and have become resource persons in various seminars and conferences. Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd., became a Professor in the field of Vocational Learning Models, while Prof. Dr. Siska Desy Fatmaryanti, M.Si., became a Professor in the field of Technology, Pedagogy, Content, knowledge (TPACK)-based Learning Models and Media Development.
Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd delivered his scientific speech entitled ‘Transformation of Vocational Education through Optimising the Work-Based Learning Model’. According to him, one of the ways that Vocational High Schools (SMK) can improve competence is through work-based learning or commonly called Work-Based Learning (WBL). WBL is learning that combines learning in the classroom and in industry. WBL is a form of learning that aims to integrate academic subjects with work-related skills. SMK jointly designs learning activities that are carried out in the world of work. In its application, WBL is implemented in SMK by carrying out industrial work practices.
Prof. Dr. Siska Desy Fatmaryanti, M.Si., delivered her scientific speech entitled ‘21st Century Learning Transformation: Integration of Learning Models and Media Based on Technology, Pedagogic, Content and Knowledge (TPACK) for Inclusive and Sustainable Education’. Prof Dr Siska said that education in the 21st century faces various challenges that are not only complex but also dynamic. Major transformations triggered by the development of information and communication technology have created a new landscape in education. Digital technology, once a complement, is now a core element in the learning process.
‘In this case, the TPACK (Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) approach plays a key role. This concept, introduced by Mishra & Koehler (2006), emphasises the importance of integrating technological, pedagogical and content knowledge to create meaningful learning experiences. The TPACK approach allows educators to design learning that is not only relevant to learners‘ needs but also responsive to technological developments’, explained Prof. Dr. Siska Desy Fatmaryanti, M.Si.
UMPWR Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Teguh Wibowo, M.Pd., welcomed and was proud of the inauguration of these two new Professors. ‘This is a history for UMPWR after 15 years of waiting for a new Professor. In 2010, UMPWR's first Professor was Prof. Dr. H. S. Eko Putowo, M.Pd. Dr H. S. Eko Putro Widoyoko, M.Pd. Alhamdulillah, this year we can immediately add 2 professors’, explained the Rector. With the addition of these two professors, it also increases the reputation of UMPWR both nationally and internationally.
The Rector said that to become a Professor is not an easy thing. Many tough challenges are faced. Currently at UMPWR there are 41 lecturers with doctoral degrees, and 14 lecturers already have the academic position of Head Lecturer. The Rector hopes that many lecturers at UMPWR will soon follow to become Professors.
Prof. Mahfud Sholihin, Ph.D., Ak, CA, CPA, as a representative of the Assembly of Diktilitbang PP Muhammadiyah, said that all have targets that must be achieved, both assemblies, institutions, and Muhammadiyah charities, one of which is to add Professors. Prof. Mahfud Sholihin advised the two new Professors of UMPWR Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd., and Prof. Dr. Siska Desy Fatmaryanti, M.Si to be prepared for the many new tasks and mandates ahead after becoming a professor, including the family must also be prepared if in the future the professors will spend a lot of time outside the home to carry out the existing mandate. (akbar / KP).
