Polukhin Re-elected as Rector of BSNRU

Three candidates for the post of Rector set out their visions to the Conference. Dr Marina Vladyka, Associate Professor, Doctor of Economics and Director of the Institute of Economics, put forward her strategy of enhancing educational services in Nanomaterials, Information Technology, Communications and Medical Tech and Pharmaceuticals. In his presentation, Dr Alexander Mamatov, Associate Professor and Vice-rector for Academic Affairs and Informatisation, envisioned BSNRU as a 'University 3.0', that involves having world-class competencies in Education, Science and Innovation guided by the priorities of regional, national and global socio-economic development.

Professor Oleg Polukhin outlined his vision for the next five years, identifying five key areas for improvement. These are Education, Science and Innovation, international cooperation, social and educational activities, and improving organisational, personnel and financial management. His plan also contains an ambitious task. By the end of 2020, he wants the University not only to get into the Top 100 of the Shanghai Subject Ratings, but also gain a foothold in two other leading world rankings, The Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings. Professor Polukhin stated that his main focus would be, "the development of our human capital, and unlocking the creative potential of students, teachers and university staff."

Professor Polukhin was backed for the post of Rector by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation, the Government of the Belgorod Region, and the Council of Rectors of Belgorod universities. Professor Polukhin was also supported by representatives of the scientific community and the students of the University.

In the secret ballot, 87% of the conference voted for Professor Polukhin who received 260 of the 299 votes cast. Dr Mamatov achieved 19 votes and Dr Vladyka had 18 votes.
In his speech to the conference, the newly re-elected Rector of BSNRU said that he valued the trust of the team that had given him such an honour, saying,

“For me, this is a vote of confidence. I am ready to work even harder so that the team can see the changes that will occur in the future. I think that in the last five years of my managing of the University, I have, to some extent, justified your faith in me. Now I have time to solve other tasks. The elections showed that the collective at the university is of one mind. I want to express my gratitude to all those who have supported me all these years and who have shown confidence in me today. I hope that all of you are ready to unite around the tasks that I have set. And their purpose is simple, to strive to make our country and our region stronger, and to become even more powerful and prosperous. We are together in the vanguard. We are nurturing the generation that will build the future Russia.”