Fulton Adventist University College has received provisional approval to operate as Fulton Adventist University, marking a new chapter in the institution’s 120-year history.
The approval, granted by the Higher Education Commission Fiji (HEC) on October 3, allows the university to operate under its new status for six months while the Fulton Adventist University Bill progresses through parliament. The Commission will then reassess the university’s readiness for full recognition.
A ceremony held on October 8 at Fulton’s Sabeto campus (Nadi, Fiji) celebrated the milestone, attended by church leaders from across the Trans Pacific Union Mission (TPUM), Fulton staff and students, and HEC representatives. During the program, the institution’s iconic stone letters—previously reading FAUC—were symbolically updated to FAU to reflect the university’s new identity.
Ratu Moape is currently the longest serving staff member at Fulton and was given the honour of removing the stones.
Staff member, Ratu Moape removes the “C” from Fulton Adventist University College’s campus sign as the institution officially becomes Fulton Adventist University.
In his address, vice-chancellor Dr Ronald Stone described the transition as a continuation of Fulton’s mission of education and service. “Today we gather not merely to celebrate a new title, but to honour God and a legacy of dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to education and service,” he said. “Our commitment to providing a holistic education—one that nurtures the mind, soul and spirit—will remain steadfast.”
HEC director Dr Eci Naisele congratulated the university, noting Fulton’s long-standing contribution to higher education in Fiji. “Fulton was among the first institutions in the country to gain full registration and accreditation for its programs under the Higher Education Commission,” he said.
According to Dr Naisele, achieving university status is not easy, but Fulton not only met the required criteria, it also fulfils a specific need within Fiji’s higher education system. “There were consultations about whether another university was needed,” he explained, “but your vision and mission met a genuine need because there’s no clash with other universities.”
Pastor Maveni Kaufononga, SPD vice president and former chair of the Fulton Board, said the change reflects years of dedication by many leaders and educators. “Having served as chair, I have witnessed firsthand the commitment and vision of the team. The future for FAU is bright, and I am confident it will continue to make a profound impact on students, the community and the Pacific.”
TPUM education director Talonga Pita highlighted the milestone’s significance for Adventist education in the Pacific. “Fulton has been the educational hub of the Pacific islands for many years,” he said. “It has trained thousands of workers who now serve in churches, communities, governments and NGOs across the region. Reaching university status will strengthen its role in training leaders grounded in God’s Word and committed to serving others.”
Owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Fulton offers programs in theology, education and business studies, serving students from 11 Pacific nations. It joins Avondale University in Australia and Pacific Adventist University in Papua New Guinea as the third Adventist university within the South Pacific Division.
Fulton will celebrate its 120th anniversary later this year, from November 26 to 29, with a reunion event expected to bring together alumni, former staff and supporters to reflect on the institution’s legacy and future direction.
