New RUB Vice Chancellor Visits Samtse College of Education
Samtse, March 17, 2025 – The newly appointed Vice Chancellor (VC) of the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB), Dasho Chewang Rinzin, is visiting Samtse College of Education as part of a familiarization tour of RUB’s constituent colleges. Accompanied by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Registrar, and other officials of the OVC, the visit aims to engage with faculty, staff, and students while outlining the university’s new vision and priorities
Speaking to faculty and staff yesterday, the VC acknowledged the university’s growing role in shaping Bhutan’s higher education landscape. Using a metaphor, he likened the university to a bridge, stating, “The Royal University of Bhutan is a bridge connecting people from place to places and people from the present to the future. However, as the demands on this bridge increase, we must reinforce its foundation to ensure RUB continues to grow stronger each year and for decades to come.”
Dr. Sonam Rinchen, President of Samtse College of Education, welcomed the VC and his team, expressing hope in the VC’s leadership, stating, “Under the new VC’s guidance, RUB is well-positioned to strengthen its global standing as a competitive institute of higher learning, driving academic and national progress.” The President, DAA, DSA, and DRIL also provided an overview of the college’s activities and accomplishments, sharing insights into the college’s ongoing initiatives, achievements, and future plans with the team from the OVC. The newest issues of the College’s newsletter, SHES-RIG Pages, was also officially released during the visit, highlighting recent updates and accomplishments.
During the visit, the VC reflected on the recent vision exercise held at the Royal Institute of Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS) on March 13-14, 2025, highlighting RUB’s ambition to transition from a globally recognized institution to a truly global university.
He further elaborated on plans to enhance the university’s academic standing. Discussions included strategies for institutional branding, emphasizing the foundational attributes of Brand RUB—highlighting that a university’s identity should be shaped by its values and mission rather than just visual elements like logos and colors.
Addressing the role of teacher educators, the VC emphasized that educators should go beyond merely imparting subject knowledge. Instead, he encouraged faculty to nurture intellectual curiosity, raise the level of sophistication in thinking, and instill a strong sense of responsibility, helping students become thoughtful and engaged Bhutanese citizens.
As part of the visit, the VC and his team are scheduled to engage with students and inaugurate the college gym during the Samtse campus tour today. The familiarization tour, which includes all RUB colleges, is expected to conclude on April 2, 2025.
