The history of higher education in Indonesia has recorded the name of Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. as a leader recognized for his ability to combine grand vision with the courage to make strategic decisions. He became the youngest rector in the history of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) when inaugurated on January 28, 2021. Since then, the man born on September 30, 1974, has carried the heavy responsibility of elevating USU to the level of an internationally recognized university, while remaining grounded in its local roots.

His four-year leadership is widely recognized as a period of radical transformation, branded “Transformation Towards the Ultimate.” Prof. Mury established the foundation of digitalization, transparent governance, and academic quality enhancement. He launched USU One Data, an integrated system designed to monitor all campus activities—from finance to research—ensuring that every policy decision is grounded in data rather than intuition.

In the academic domain, he promoted curriculum decentralization, positioning students as the central subjects of education rather than mere objects within a rigid, conventional system. This policy allowed study programs to more freely adapt their curricula to meet the evolving needs of industry and society.

The results are evident: international publications have increased sharply, several faculties have achieved “Excellent” accreditation, 28 study programs have obtained international accreditation, and the number of doctoral and professorial faculty members has risen significantly.

At the institutional level, Prof. Mury has successfully strengthened international networks. USU now offers more double degree programs, student exchanges, and collaborative research with universities across the globe. These efforts have positioned USU within prestigious international rankings at both the Asian and global levels—an achievement never before attained.

As he looks forward to his second term of leadership, a figure renowned for his extensive networks introduces the concept of “The Era of Ultimate Excellence.” This is not merely a continuation of prior programs, but a higher leap to transform USU into a world-class university with the distinctive identity of North Sumatra.

His work program encompasses five main pillars:

• Good Governance and Adaptive Organization – focused on transparent and professional governance supported by digital technology

• Integration of the Tridharma of Higher Education – ensuring that teaching, research, and community engagement operate within a mutually reinforcing framework.

• Smart Campus and Comprehensive Digitalization – delivering integrated digital systems for academic, financial, and administrative services.

• Enterprise & Endowment Fund – building financial independence through endowment funds and the development of productive enterprises.

• Internationalization and Global Branding – positioning USU on the global stage while remaining rooted in local values.

“The Era of Ultimate Excellence is a phase in which USU will not only grow, but leap to greater heights. We are not merely chasing rankings, but building a university that creates a broad impact for the nation,” emphasized Prof. Muryanto once again.

Prof. Mury has thus become more than the rector of an institution—he has emerged as a visionary leader capable of designing enduring systems of transformation from within, preparing USU to face global challenges. His boldness in reshaping work culture and university governance will remain as his legacy, addressing one of the greatest challenges faced by educational institutions.

The initial transformation has begun, yet the journey toward becoming a world-class university is still long. Through The Era of Ultimate Excellence, Prof. Muryanto Amin offers a clear roadmap: to leap higher, to create wider impact, and to remain firmly rooted in local culture.

If his first term was about building foundations, then his second will be about realizing the collective dream of the entire academic community of Universitas Sumatera Utara—to nurture a golden generation that makes meaningful contributions to the nation and society.