Professor Maria Moreno is the new Rector of the University of Sannio

In a ceremony held in the Conference Hall of Palazzo San Domenico, Professor Maria Moreno officially took office as Rector of the University of Sannio, succeeding outgoing Rector Professor Gerardo Canfora.
In her inaugural address, Rector Moreno expressed her deep gratitude and sense of responsibility for the role entrusted to her:
“Assuming the leadership of our University today is an honour and a responsibility that I accept with both emotion and awareness. It is not merely an institutional appointment, but a new chapter in my life that I embrace with dedication, in the belief in the value of this service and the privilege of contributing to the future of our academic community.”
Professor Moreno extended heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Rector, Professor Canfora, highlighting the atmosphere of esteem and collaboration that characterised the transition:
“Professor Canfora’s vision and dedication have left a deep mark on our community. The handover was for me a moment of genuine listening and exchange, which made possible an orderly and constructive transition.”
During her speech, the new Rector reflected on the challenges currently facing Italian universities — from the reduction of ordinary public funding to declining enrolments and the growing competition from online institutions.
“These changes,” she stated, “require us to rethink our teaching and communication strategies, reaffirming the value of presence, direct dialogue, and a vibrant community. The university must remain a place of encounter, relationship, and human as well as academic growth.”
Rector Moreno emphasised the central role of academic staff, called not only to teach but also to guide new generations, and reiterated the importance of cohesion among all members of the university community:
“The true strength of our University lies in our students, our technical-administrative and library staff, our faculty and our governing bodies. Only by recognising and valuing the diversity of our skills and experiences can we build a genuinely participatory governance capable of responding coherently and with vision to future challenges.”
In presenting her new governing team, the Rector announced the appointment of Professor Nicola Fontana, Full Professor of Hydraulic and Maritime Constructions and Hydrology, as Vice-Rector, praising both his scientific expertise and his human qualities:
“The role of Vice-Rector is both operational and strategic; it requires competence, listening skills and vision. Professor Fontana has already demonstrated these qualities in his previous roles, and his leadership, based on respect and trust, will help create an inclusive environment where every member of our university community feels supported and valued.”
The Rector also thanked the delegates who will assist her in governing the University, noting that the range of appointments reflects the diversity and richness of university activities — from teaching and research to technology transfer, sustainability, inclusion policies, and the promotion of cultural heritage.
 

Rector Moreno’s Delegates:

• Ennio Cavuoto – Teaching
• Eugenio Zimeo – Research
• Mariano Mercurio – Technology Transfer
• Marco Consales – Student Guidance, Tutoring and Placement
• Biagio Simonetti – International Cooperation and Relations
• Lorella Maria Teresa Canzoniero – International Double and Joint Degrees
• Luigi Iannelli – Postgraduate University Education
• Paola Saracini – Staff Policies and Labour Relations
• Riccardo Realfonso – University Budget
• Aglaia McClintock – Cultural Heritage and Relations with Cultural Institutions
• Flavia De Nicola – University Community Cohesion and Right to Education
• Guido Migliaccio – Inclusive Policies for Students with Disabilities, DSA and Special Needs
• Daniela Zuzolo – Equal Opportunities and Gender Equality
• Armando Ricciardi – Cultural Promotion and University Social Impact
• Tiziana Zotti – University Sports Activities
• Domenico Scalera – Student Career Monitoring
• Stefano Maria Pagnotta – University Statistics
• Giuseppe Maddaloni – University Buildings and Real Estate Assets
• Marina Paolucci – University Language Centre and Italian Language and Culture for Foreigners
• Cristina Ciancio – Library Assets
• Elisa Marrasso – Sustainability
• Mariano Gallo – Mobility and Transport

The Rector also expressed her gratitude to the Heads of Department, acknowledging their essential role in defining and implementing the University’s teaching and research strategies:

• Ernesto Fabiani, Director of the Department of Law, Economics, Management and Quantitative Methods (DEMM)
• Andrea Cusano, Director of the Department of Engineering (DING)
• Giuseppe Graziano, Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DST)

“We want a university that knows how to include every voice and every talent, that acts with respect for the environment, and that builds strong ties with the civil community, institutions and businesses. Only in this way can we continue to be a cultural and scientific reference point for our region and for the country.”