Numerous distinguished guests attended the inauguration of the Rector of the University of South Bohemia

On Tuesday, 14 May 2024, the inauguration of the Rector of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice (USB), prof. Ing. Pavel Kozák, Ph.D., took place in the Castle Riding Hall in Český Krumlov. Many distinguished guests, not only from the academic community, were present at this exceptional event, which took place at USB after many years.

Almost 200 guests first watched the arrival of high-profile academics from many Czech universities. The ceremony was opened by PhDr. Petr Dvořák, Ph.D., Chairman of the USB Academic Senate; the inauguration was presided over by PhDr. Pavel Král, Ph.D., USB Vice-Rector for Development and Public Affairs, who welcomed the distinguished guests and asked the Rector Emeritus of the University of South Bohemia, prof. Bohumil Jiroušek, to deliver his speech.

Then followed the inauguration ceremony, during which the USB Rector, Professor Pavel Kozák, received the University insignia from the Chair of the USB Academic Senate, took the academic oath and delivered his official speech. In it, the new Rector mentioned, for example, the scientific quality of USB and its improvement, which he considers one of the priorities of his term of office. ‘The University of South Bohemia is one of the top scientific institutions and its research in the field of environmental protection, biology, fisheries, water management and other disciplines is well covered owing to its research infrastructures from Vodňany to Papua New Guinea to the polar centre in Svalbard. This research has not only a local but also a global impact, providing innovative solutions for current and future generations. Without quality science, there can be no quality instruction. Our research is not possible without close collaboration with other scientific institutions. I would like to mention the cooperation with the Czech Academy of Sciences, which has a long tradition in České Budějovice. Thanks to our partnership with the Czech Academy of Sciences, we are able to share human resources, knowledge and infrastructure and thus keep science at the top level,’ said Rector Kozák in his speech.

However, he did not forget about other qualities of the University either. ‘With its 8 faculties, the University of South Bohemia also plays a key role in professional education. We are preparing the future generation of nurses and other non-medical healthcare and social service professionals in the field of health and social care. Our teacher training programmes prepare teachers for quality instruction in kindergartens, primary and secondary schools. Programs in agriculture, fisheries or economics support the development of professionals needed in many sectors in the region,’ the Rector added.

Furthermore, the Rector thanked his predecessors, the deans of USB faculties and all the staff and students who have made USB a healthy and ambitious institution with outstanding achievements in science in natural sciences and humanities at the international level. Yet he also mentioned a number of challenges that USB will have to face in the coming period. ‘We are expecting an increase in the number of students and at the same time we have to deal with a high rate of unsuccessful studies, especially in the first semesters of studies. We plan to work intensively to improve the preparation of students, support them in their transition to higher education and increase the success rate of their studies. We are aware of the need to work more intensively with employers, regional governments and secondary schools to better adapt educational programmes to the needs of the labour market. Close cooperation with the South Bohemian Region is crucial for us,’ said the Rector of the University of South Bohemia.

After the Rector's address, the USB Vice-Rectors who will be involved in the management of USB during the new Rector's term of office were introduced.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by a number of distinguished guests from the public sphere, including prof. PaedDr. Radka Wildová, CSc., Director General for Higher Education, Science and Research section of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, prof. RNDr. Eva Zažímalová, CSc., President of the Czech Academy of Sciences, MUDr. Martin Kuba, Governor of the South Bohemian Region, doc. Dr. Ing. Dagmar Škodová Parmová, Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice, Mgr. Ing. Miroslav Šimek, Chairman of the USB Board of Trustees and prof. Dr. Norbert Müller, President of the USB International Board.

The Director General for Higher Education, Science and Research section, prof. Radka Wildová, CSc., said that the new Rector is an experienced manager and appreciated his vision for the future of the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice. ‘Rector Kozák ran with a vision of a University that would be transparent in its management, decision-making and communication with the public. I am convinced that he will meet the challenge of managing the University in accordance with this goal owing to his extensive experience not only in the academic environment, and I look forward to constructive and friendly cooperation,’ said Professor Wildová in her speech.

Rector Kozák was also congratulated by the Governor of the South Bohemia Region, MUDr. Martin Kuba. ‘Such strong support from the Academic Senate is a sign of great trust and I am convinced that you will gladly accept all the professional challenges that await you in the coming period. I am convinced that we share the same goal. To make the University of South Bohemia a brand that its graduates will wear with pride and that will always be their first choice when choosing a university. The modern and transparent leadership of the University that you have promised is not only necessary but also welcome. I am confident that your rich academic experience and passion for education will lead our South Bohemian university to further success and its reputation as an excellent facility for students and researchers will only be enhanced under your leadership. Dear Professor, I wish you every success in your new position and I am convinced that the cooperation between the South Bohemian Region and the University of South Bohemia will be fruitful and beneficial for the entire region,’ said Governor Kuba in his speech.

The next important congratulant was the Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice doc. Dr. Ing. Dagmar Škodová Parmová. ‘The University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice gains a world-renowned scientist and an excellent manager in its new Rector, who has already proven himself both in the role of the Director of the CENAKVA research centre and the position of a successful Dean of the USB Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters. I would like to wish Professor Kozák and his team that the University flourishes and develops in their hands, as this will greatly benefit not only our university town but also the entire region of South Bohemia. As the Mayor of the Statutory City of České Budějovice, I see how much the university environment cultivates our civil society, how thanks to the University and its students our city is eternally young and our city is world famous thanks to the scientific teams at its departments, institutes and laboratories,’ the Mayor mentioned in her speech.

The festive atmosphere of the inauguration of the new USB Rector prof. Ing. Pavel Kozák, Ph.D., was accentuated at the end by a short musical program by the Kvartet 4 YOU and the customary Gaudeamus igitur performed by trumpeters.