{"id":3954,"date":"2025-06-09T17:07:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-09T14:07:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mgu.edu.gr\/rectors-message\/"},"modified":"2026-08-06T13:30:30","modified_gmt":"2026-08-06T10:30:30","slug":"message-from-the-rectors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.derby.edu.gr\/en\/message-from-the-rectors\/","title":{"rendered":"Message from the Rectors"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image source=”featured_image” img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”4711″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1786012212991{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1785944203236{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]Spyros Vliamos<\/strong>
\nProfessor Emeritus, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens<\/strong>
\nRector, University of Derby Greece ULE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Students,<\/p>\n

It is with great joy and deep emotion that I address you from my new role at a new university \u2014 the University of Derby Greece (UoD Greece) ULE. This institution was founded by the well-established and highly regarded Mediterranean College, in partnership with the distinguished University of Derby in the UK.<\/p>\n

Both partners have approached the matter of private universities in Greece with the utmost seriousness. At the heart of our discussions during the design of this new university was the nature and quality of post-secondary education in Greece. Our guiding principle has been to serve education in the land of Paideia \u2014 a country of Ethics, Decency, Justice, and Freedom.<\/p>\n

I often reflect on how the ancient Greek philosophers, poets, craftsmen, and artists \u2014 both renowned and anonymous \u2014 elevated beauty to a divine ideal. Through their unmatched artistry, they achieved the remarkable feat of \u201cbringing the gods down to earth.\u201d These remarkable creators and teachers, who set the standards for what is noble and excellent, were unparalleled thinkers and tireless seekers of knowledge. They endeavoured to unite the powers of soul and mind, experience and observation, faith and reason, all to serve, awaken, and improve humanity. Their teachings, both succinct and pioneering, became milestones in the intellectual advancement of humankind.<\/p>\n

Yet, I am mindful that engaging with the past is no simple matter. Nevertheless, I believe there is much we can learn \u2014 not through sterile veneration of ancestors, but by embracing freedom of thought and expression, curiosity, inquiry, liberty of choice, and above all, the joy of living.<\/p>\n

It is within this framework, in a nation modest in wealth yet rich in history and culture, that an intellectual journey begins \u2014 one open to all Greeks who wish to acquire skills and knowledge that enhance life not merely for survival, but for true flourishing.<\/p>\n

Recognizing that the relationship between public and private universities has evolved worldwide \u2014 from rivalry to cooperation and shared progress \u2014 we set out to create a new kind of university that:
\n\u2022 Advances social and economic development; and
\n\u2022 Meets significant global challenges, including:<\/p>\n

– The evolving international landscape of higher education, marked by institutional diversity and flexible undergraduate, postgraduate, and lifelong learning programmes;
\n– International competition without geographical limits;
\n– Fundamental shifts in the labour market and the professional recognition of academic qualifications.<\/p>\n

Drawing on these principles, and echoing the words of a university professor and former Greek government minister, I would highlight that the university we deserve \u2014 the university of the future, whether public or private \u2014 must be capable of competing with:
\n\u2022 Public universities abroad, often operating under far more flexible regulatory frameworks, sometimes even based in Greece or targeting Greek students;
\n\u2022 Non-state universities from other countries offering their services in Greece, either on-site or through distance learning.<\/p>\n

If this is our definition of the university of the future, then ours must continually engage with that future.<\/p>\n

I will conclude by borrowing the closing remark from the article I mentioned earlier, which states:
\n\u201cThe university of the future must be institutionally liberated, flexible, and genuinely autonomous. It must possess open epistemological horizons. Yet, it must also be a university of values \u2014 a guardian of democracy, the rule of law, and social inclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Professor Spyros Vliamos[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”4713″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1786012222620{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=””]Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL<\/strong>
\nVice-Chancellor and Chief Executive<\/strong>
\nUniversity of Derby<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the University of Derby Greece at the beginning of this exciting new journey.<\/p>\n

The establishment of University of Derby Greece marks a proud and significant milestone for the University of Derby and reflects our long-standing commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities in Greece. For more than 15 years, we have worked in partnership with Mediterranean College to deliver a high-quality University of Derby education, supporting thousands of students to achieve their academic and professional ambitions.<\/p>\n

Now, we are building on that strong foundation. University of Derby Greece represents an exciting step forward, creating even greater opportunities for students to access an internationally recognised UK education while studying in Greece. Our ambition is to deliver an exceptional student experience, underpinned by academic excellence and integrated research and innovation, with a strong focus on employability and industry engagement.<\/p>\n

The University of Derby is recognised for excellence in teaching and applied research. Our world-leading research addresses some of society\u2019s most pressing challenges and we look forward to expanding its impact through University of Derby Greece. We were recently named University of the Year in the 2027 UK Uni Compare rankings, an award voted for by students. We believe higher education should open doors, inspire ambition and equip individuals with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Those values will continue to shape everything we do in Greece.<\/p>\n

As we embark on this new journey, we look forward to welcoming students, strengthening partnerships and contributing to the future of higher education in Greece. Whether you join us as a student, collaborate with us as an employer, or engage with us as part of the wider community, you will become part of a global University of Derby network committed to helping you achieve your full potential.<\/p>\n

I look forward to seeing University of Derby Greece flourish in the years ahead, celebrating the achievements of our students, our academics and our partners who will shape its future.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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