Reny Yuniasanti, M.Psi., Ph.D., Psikolog, is known as an educator who firmly upholds integrity while actively contributing through professional organizations. Her academic journey began as one of the first cohort of the Master of Professional Psychology Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) in 2005. She successfully completed her studies despite the fact that the program’s academic system was still in its trial phase.
“The semester breaks were initially very short—one full semester filled with an intense schedule,” she recalled.
After graduation, Reny began her career in the industrial sector, joining the building culture team at PT Garudafood Putra Putri Jaya Tbk in Jakarta. Her role involved formulating company values and designing training programs. However, she only stayed for two months, as she found the working rhythm unsuitable. “I was used to the fast-paced environment at UGM, while in Jakarta it felt different. I needed space to share and grow continuously,” she said.
Her transition into higher education began when she was often invited to conduct training sessions in various institutions. Eventually, she was offered a teaching position at Universitas Mercu Buana Yogyakarta, where she continues to serve to this day. For Reny, that moment marked the beginning of her journey as an educator with a mission to share knowledge.
“Being a lecturer in Yogyakarta means I can share knowledge while living a life rich in culture and art. We only live once, and we must enjoy it,” she expressed.
Her academic career advanced rapidly. Although she initially felt unready, Reny was appointed as head of a bureau just half a semester after starting her teaching role. She held the position for two years before transitioning to the marketing department. From marketing coordinator, she was later promoted to marketing director for four years. Under her leadership, the university’s branding grew stronger, and the systems she built became a sustainable foundation for her successors.
While pursuing her doctoral degree, Reny also served as Secretary of the Undergraduate Psychology Program. After completing her Ph.D., she was appointed as the Head of the Program, and later entrusted with the position of Dean during the COVID-19 pandemic—a role she continues to hold today.
Beyond her campus leadership, Reny is also active in the Association of Indonesian Higher Education Providers in Psychology (AP2TPI). She previously served as the Yogyakarta Regional Coordinator and is now involved at the national level. In addition, she served as Chair of the Association of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (APIO) under HIMPSI Yogyakarta for the 2021–2025 term and currently acts as an Advisory Board Member of APIO Yogyakarta for 2025–2029. For Reny, every mandate is an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Always grow and progress together with the team to carry out every responsibility as best as possible,” she said simply.
Throughout her journey, Reny has held fast to values of integrity, honesty, and courage to try new things. She believes that knowledge can be learned, but social skills, humility, and mutual respect are the keys to lasting collaboration. In today’s digital era, she emphasizes the importance of mastering technology, developing digital talent, and utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to expand psychology’s role.
To the younger generation, Reny advises, “Strive with honesty. Don’t be afraid to face challenges or to try new things. If you want to achieve something, uphold integrity and kindness in every step of the process,” she said.
Reporter: Ghinaa Durratul Hikmah
Writer: Fadia Hayu Godwina
Editor: Erna Tri Nofiyana
Photo: Personal Documentation