History of the English Education Study Program
Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu
The English Education Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu (UMB) was officially established in 1995 under the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP). The program was created to meet the growing demand for qualified English teachers in Bengkulu and other parts of Indonesia, in response to the increasing global importance of English and its integration into the national education curriculum.
In its early years, the program faced various challenges, including limited resources and a small number of lecturers and students. However, with strong dedication and a clear vision, the program began to lay the groundwork for producing competent and professional English educators equipped with pedagogical skills and strong Islamic values.
Over the years, the program has grown significantly, both in terms of academic quality and institutional capacity. Its curriculum has been continuously refined to align with the Indonesian National Qualifications Framework (KKNI) and the evolving needs of the education sector. The program offers a comprehensive approach that balances linguistic knowledge, teaching methodology, literature, educational technology, and real classroom teaching experience through field practice programs.
The English Education Study Program has also achieved various milestones, including national accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education (BAN-PT), expansion of its academic staff with master’s and doctoral qualifications, and the establishment of partnerships with schools and educational institutions. Students are also actively engaged in extracurricular activities such as English debates, teaching practice workshops, academic seminars, and community service programs.
One of the unique strengths of the program is its integration of Islamic values and Muhammadiyah principles into the educational process, aiming to produce graduates who are not only intellectually capable but also morally responsible and socially engaged.
🧑‍🏫 List of Heads of the English Education Study Program:
Dr. Dian Susyla, M.Pd
Head of Program (1995–2008)
As the first head of the program, Dr. Dian Susyla played a foundational role in shaping the direction and academic culture of the department.Dr. Sinarman Jaya, M.Pd
Head of Program (2008–2009)
Continued the development of the program with a focus on quality enhancement and lecturer capacity building.Ivan Achmad Nurcholis, M.Pd
Head of Program (2009–2013)
Contributed to curriculum development and student engagement in academic competitions and research.Drs. Epi Wadison, M.Pd
Head of Program (2015–2019)
Strengthened program accreditation efforts and promoted digital integration in English language teaching.Washlurachim Safitri, M.Pd
Head of Program (2019–2027)
Currently leading the program toward modernization, research development, and expanding national and international collaboration.
Today, the English Education Study Program stands as one of the leading programs at Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu, committed to academic excellence, professional teacher training, and the nurturing of character-based education rooted in Islamic values.