Victoria Fontan has resigned from her post as Rector of the American University of Malta (AUM), concluding a tenure she described as defined by a clear humanitarian and academic mandate: Ensuring the safe relocation and continued education of Afghan women whose studies were disrupted by conflict.

Dr Fontan announced her departure in a detailed LinkedIn post, saying she was “pleased to share” that she had now completed the mission she was appointed to deliver.

“As highlighted below, the purpose of my appointment was clear from the outset: To secure the relocation and academic continuity of Afghan women whose education had been disrupted by conflict. This mission has now been fully accomplished, and I am deeply proud of what we have achieved together,” she wrote.

In her statement, Dr Fontan highlighted that AUM had successfully welcomed its first cohort of Afghan students over the past months, ensured their safety, and implemented the academic and support systems required for their long-term success.

“This was a collective effort, made possible through close cooperation with international partners, donors, and governments, and I am grateful to all who contributed to this important work,” she added.

With these structures now in place, she said it was “the right moment” to transition out of her role, expressing confidence that Malta’s higher education sector is well positioned to continue supporting the students’ academic journey.

She thanked AUM colleagues, the Government of Malta, and the AUM Board of Trustees “for their trust and confidence” in her leadership.

Dr Fontan’s resignation marks the second high-level departure from a Maltese educational institution this week.

On Tuesday, St Aloysius College announced that Rector Maria Montebello had stepped down just months after taking office as the first woman to hold the role. Her resignation was communicated to parents and guardians via a circular signed by Dr Montebello and Board Chairperson Fr Michael Bugeja.