Salale University Presidents in a Chronological Order

2008–2010
Dr. Duguma

Dhuguma Adugna Debele (Ph.D)


Dr. Duguma Debele Adugna is the Founding President of Salale University and a distinguished academic leader, researcher, and policymaker. He led Salale University for two academic years, laying a strong foundation for its growth and advancement. He earned his BSc in Plant Science and MSc in Horticulture from Haramaya University and later completed his PhD in 2014 at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, with a research focus on Ethiopian floriculture and technology transfer. Throughout his career, Dr. Duguma has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing higher education and agricultural development in Ethiopia.

Following his tenure at Salale University, he was appointed President of Arsi University, where he continues to provide visionary leadership. Beyond academia, he also serves as a Member of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, representing the Asela constituency under the Prosperity Party since the 2021 general election. Through his academic, administrative, and political roles, Dr. Duguma continues to contribute significantly to educational transformation, agricultural innovation, and national policymaking.

2010–2017
Dr. Genanew Gofe

Genanew Gofe Gonfa (Ph.D)


Genanew Gofe Gonfa is the former President of Salale University, where he served with dedication for eight years and played a pivotal role in shaping the institution into what it is today. A distinguished scholar in numerical analysis and computational mathematics, Dr. Genanew has made significant contributions to research on iterative methods for solving systems of linear equations and has published extensively on advanced numerical techniques and applied mathematical modeling.

During his presidency, he strengthened Salale University’s partnerships with both national and international institutions, including Nelson Mandela University in South Africa, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and the Salale Development Global Initiative (SDGI). His leadership emphasized quality education, research capacity building, and community engagement through initiatives such as grant-writing trainings, leadership development programs, and public lectures.

Dr. Genanew also transformed the Salale University Specialized Comprehensive Hospital into an advanced medical center, while promoting it as a hub for medical tourism. Under his administration, the university maintained strong academic standards, and a significant number of students successfully passed the national exit examination. His vision and leadership continue to inspire Salale University’s pursuit of excellence and societal impact.

2017 to Present
Dr. Fayera

Feyera Dinsa Hundessa (Ph.D)


Dr. Feyera Dinsa Hundessa is a distinguished scholar and academic leader who holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Haramaya University. He is currently serving as the President of Salale University, where he provides visionary leadership in advancing the institution’s academic and research excellence. His scholarly work focuses on educational leadership, school management, and policy development, with widely published research on areas such as school autonomy, principals’ leadership styles, teacher motivation, and community participation in education. Alongside his publications, Dr. Feyera has supervised numerous postgraduate research projects and continues to play a pivotal role in shaping graduate education, fostering innovation, and strengthening higher education in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.