01/09/2026
Divine Word University Council Appoints Rev. Dr. Jose Orathinkal, SVD as Fourth President
The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) and the Divine Word University (DWU) Council are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Jose Orathinkal, SVD as the fourth President of Divine Word University for the term 1 January 2027–31 December 2029.
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal brings to the presidency extensive experience in higher education, research, pastoral ministry and leadership within the Society of the Divine Word, underpinned by an outstanding academic record and decades of service in Papua New Guinea. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health and a Master of Family and Sexuality Studies from a leading Catholic university, the Katholique University of Leuven, Belgium.
He also holds a Master of Science in Guidance and Counselling from De La Salle University in the Philippines, as well as three Bachelor of Arts degrees majoring respectively in Theology, Philosophy, and Sociology, Christianity and English Literature from higher education institutions in India.
In addition, Rev. Dr. Orathinkal has undertaken numerous professional development courses in different countries. His research profile is reflected in peer-reviewed articles published in local and international journals and through his participation and presentations at national and international conferences.
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal first came to Papua New Guinea in 1987 under the SVD Overseas Training Program, serving in Wosera, Maprik, East Sepik Province, as a Pastoral and Youth Coordinator. He later returned to India to complete his studies and, following his ordination, came to Divine Word University in Madang in 1995, where he served as Chaplain and Lecturer.
Following postgraduate studies in the Philippines and Belgium, he returned to DWU as Senior Lecturer, Acting Dean and supervisor of graduate students. He later joined the University of Goroka as Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Counselling while also serving as a member of the Divine Word University Council.
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal has also made significant contributions to the leadership of the Society of the Divine Word in Papua New Guinea, serving successively as a Member of the Provincial Council, Vice Provincial Superior and Provincial Superior for two terms.
The DWU Council believes that Rev. Dr. Orathinkal's extensive university experience, combined with his proven leadership as Provincial Superior, positions him well to advance the University's vision "to be the leading University, in the Catholic tradition, committed to Integral Human Development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region."
Announcing the appointment, Dr. Thomas Webster, Chair of the DWU Council, said:
"With his diverse university experience, coupled with his record of achievement during his two terms as an SVD Provincial Superior, the Divine Word University Council is confident that Rev. Dr. Orathinkal can drive the Divine Word University vision 'to be the leading University, in the Catholic tradition, committed to Integral Human Development in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Region.'
He will seek to integrate the DWU campuses strategically and enhance the quality of higher education through a strong teaching and learning, research and service culture. His personal, intellectual and leadership qualities will be at the service of Divine Word University in the next phase of its development.
We wish him every blessing and success in his leadership of Divine Word University."
Rev. Dr. Orathinkal will officially assume office on 1 January 2027.
