(Inspirational Story) In the world of higher education, inspiring figures are often born from a long journey full of dedication and noble values. One of them is Prof. Dr. Hj. Ilfi Nur Diana, M.Si., CAHRM., CRMP., an alumna of the Doctoral Program in Management Science, Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga, who now makes history as the First Female Rector at the State Islamic University of Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang (UIN Malang).

Prof. Ilfi's story symbolizes the synergy between Islamic boarding school roots and modern science, demonstrating that Islamic values, professionalism, and leadership can go hand in hand to build a competitive and character-based world of education.

Inspiring Traces of Santri

Born and raised in a religious environment, Prof. Ilfi began his education at the Al Latifiyyah Bahrul Uum Islamic Boarding School in Tambakberas, Jombang. It was there that he learned the fundamental values ​​of perseverance, simplicity, and sincerity in pursuing knowledge—values ​​that would later shape his leadership character in the academic world.

"Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) teach a balance between knowledge and manners. That's the foundation I carry with me in every academic and leadership role," said Prof. Ilfi in a media interview.

Academic and Professional Journey

Prof. Ilfi pursued his academic career with full consistency:

• Completed his undergraduate education in Islamic Economics at IAIN Sunan Ampel Surabaya (now UIN Sunan Ampel).
• Earned a Masters in Economics/Management from Padjadjaran University, Bandung.
• Continued studies up to Doctorate in Management Science at the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga.

Not only does he excel academically, he also holds prestigious professional certifications — CAHRM (Certified Advanced Human Resource Manager) and CRMP (Certified Risk Management Professional) — which strengthen his capacity in the fields of human resource management and risk management.

Since 1999, Prof. Ilfi has served at UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. She held various strategic positions, starting as Vice Rector for General Administration, Planning, and Finance (AUPK), and finally being inaugurated as Rector of UIN Malang for the 2025–2029 period. This inauguration marked a historic milestone—the first female rector in UIN Malang's long history.

Academic Thoughts and Contributions

Prof. Ilfi's expertise in Human Resources and Strategic Management is evident in numerous nationally and internationally recognized scientific publications. According to his Google Scholar profile, his work has been cited more than 970 times, demonstrating a significant contribution to the development of Islamic boarding school management and entrepreneurship.

Some of the highest cited publications include:

• “Exploring Perceptions and Elements of Entrepreneurial Behavior in Islamic Boarding Schools” — discusses the characteristics of entrepreneurship in Islamic boarding school environments.
• “Developing Islamic Leadership in Higher Education Institutions” — building the concept of Islamic leadership in higher education.
• “Human Resource Management Practices in Islamic Education” — examines the model of human resource management based on spiritual values.

In addition to his academic work in the field of management, Prof. Ilfi is also known as one of the figures who actively developed the concept of ecotheology in Indonesia — a movement that integrates faith, science, and responsibility towards the environment and humanity.

Through the "Green Campus" and "Eco Pesantren" initiatives, he mobilized academics and Islamic boarding school communities to play an active role in preserving the earth. This concept addresses not only the physical environment but also ecological spirituality: how humans view nature as a divine gift that must be managed with gratitude, responsibility, and compassion.

This effort was realized through various Islamic boarding school mentoring programs, focusing on strengthening management, health, and ecological movements based on Islamic values.
He later outlined this ambitious idea in his book, "Eco-Theology: Creating a Green Campus and Eco-Pesantren," which has become a key reference for the development of environmentally conscious Islamic education.

Nurturing Leadership

As a leader, Prof. Ilfi is known for her warm and visionary character. Her leadership style combines assertiveness and empathy—reflecting the image of a "Campus Mother" who is close to the academic community. In her scientific oration during her inauguration as Professor, she emphasized the importance of "Islamic Leadership in the Era of Disruption," namely leadership that is adaptive to change while remaining grounded in spiritual and moral values.

Under his leadership, UIN Malang is directed towards the vision of a World Class Islamic University through strategies for strengthening human resources, digitalizing governance, and international collaboration.

Series of Awards and Appreciation

Prof. Ilfi Nur Diana's commitment and contributions to academics and social work have been recognized by various institutions. Among the awards he has received are:

⦁ Inspirational Women Award Malang Raya 2023 from Times Indonesia.
⦁ Woman of the Year East Java 2024 — Category Female Figure Expert in Human Resource Management, from Times Indonesia.
⦁ Top Achievement Award 2025 — Category Excellent Leader with Innovation in Improving Education, from Five Pilar Event Management in collaboration with 5 Pilar Media Communication.
⦁ Honorary Badge Hakaryo Guno Mamayu Bawono Emas 2025 from the Batu City Government, as a form of appreciation for her dedication and innovation in the world of education.

These awards are concrete evidence of Prof. Ilfi's role in fostering leadership with a values ​​and innovation perspective.

A role model for alumni and students of FEB Unair

The story of Prof. Ilfi Nur Diana is an inspiration to all alumni and students of the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga. As a student who has risen to the pinnacle of academic leadership, he demonstrates that management science can bridge spiritual values ​​and modern strategy.

For students, his journey teaches that success is not only measured by degrees and positions, but also by the commitment to continue learning, contributing, and bringing good values ​​at every step.

Closing

The journey of Prof. Dr. Hj. Ilfi Nur Diana, M.Si., CAHRM., CRMP. — from a student in Jombang to becoming the first female rector at UIN Malang — is a clear reflection of how knowledge, values, and dedication can transcend any boundaries. As an alumnus of the Faculty of Economics and Business Universitas Airlangga, she not only brings honor to her alma mater but also paves the way for future generations to continue to excel and contribute to the nation.

"Being a woman doesn't mean being limited to dreaming, but rather giving you the space to spread benefits. From Islamic boarding schools, I learned about sincerity, from academia, I learned about professionalism, and I carry both into leadership with all my heart."
— Prof. Ilfi Nur Diana