A meeting of the staff of the unified Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work was held at KSU.
On August 26, a meeting of the staff of the United Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Work was held at Kherson State University. The event was attended by KSU Rector Oleksandr Spivakovskyi, vice-rectors, heads of structural units, scientific and pedagogical staff, employees, as well as representatives of students and postgraduate students.
Opening the meeting, KSU Rector Oleksandr Spivakovsky emphasized that the creation of the new faculty was preceded by large-scale preparatory work, and the current stage is a logical continuation of the university's transformation process. Before starting the work, the rector thanked the dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Liubov Petukhova, and the dean of the Faculty of Psychology, History, and Sociology, Iryna Shaposhnykova, and presented them with flowers on behalf of the university community.
«These are words of gratitude to the people upon whose shoulders the new faculty was built. Flowers – are only the first step in building a new system that we continue to create together. We preserve the philosophy, spirit, and traditions of our faculties. I am convinced that one day we will return to Kherson and work again in the format of two faculties. But today our main task is to preserve the values that unite us, to find a balance between traditions and moving forward», – noted Oleksandr Spivakovsky.
The rector also emphasized that the university administration does not interfere in the process of determining the candidacy.
«Today, we are only ensuring the transparency and legality of the procedure. The candidacy of the future dean must unite people», – he emphasized.
After this, the head of the KSU Human Resources Department, Nataliia Kudas, explained in detail the procedure for holding the meeting in accordance with the requirements of current legislation. She reported that a quorum was present and the meeting was authorized, as all categories of employees and students were participating. Galyna Mykhailenko, Associate Professor of the Department of History, Archaeology, and Teaching Methodology, was unanimously elected as the chairperson of the meeting, and Anastasiia Volianiuk, a lecturer in the Department of Pedagogy and Psychology of Preschool and Primary Education, was elected as the secretary.
The sole candidate for the position of dean was Associate Professor Nataliia Voropai, who presented the faculty's development program. In her presentation, she emphasized that the main goal of the merger is to create a new quality of education, science, and academic interaction.
«Will we be able to use our merger to create a new quality of education and science? Certainly, yes. Challenges exist, but they cannot become a threat to development. Our task is to preserve the identity of each department, its traditions, and at the same time create common scientific products, new educational programs, and new opportunities for our students», – noted Nataliia Voropai.
According to her, the development of the faculty will be carried out in accordance with the KSU Development Strategy until 2027.
«The most important thing is people. We will work on the smooth adaptation of the staff, the development of communication between departments, teachers, and students. In the future, I see a faculty with a stable student population, a high-quality digital environment, strong scientific potential, and, most importantly, a humane academic community», – the candidate emphasized.
During the discussion, the Vice-Rector for International and Scientific-Pedagogical Affairs, Alla Tsapiv, drew attention to the international dimension of the faculty's development.
«It is pleasant to see that significant attention is paid to international projects and academic mobility in the development program. The faculty already has a powerful strategic partner in Norway, so it is important to see the further development of this direction», – noted the Vice-Rector.
The Vice-Rector for Social-Humanitarian and Scientific-Pedagogical Affairs, Veronika Denysenko, emphasized both the professional and human qualities of the candidate.
«Nataliia Anatoliivna has already proven herself both as a professional and as a person. She always supports her colleagues, and her work yields concrete results. I am convinced that everything will succeed», &tilda; said Veronika Denysenko.
During the discussion, Rector Oleksandr Spivakovsky proposed transferring the chronicle of Kherson State University to the Department of History.
«This is an important element of investing in the development of the university and preserving our historical memory», – emphasized Oleksandr Spivakovsky. Representatives of various departments of the united faculty spoke in support of the candidacy.
Associate Professor of the Department of Theory and Methodology of Preschool and Primary Education, Olena Sagan, emphasized the candidate's managerial qualities.
«For Nataliia Anatoliivna, the university is a significant part of her life. She knows it not only from the position of a leader but also from the position of every member of the academic community. One gets the impression that her day is not 24 hours, but 36. Behind this lies responsibility for the faculty and the people», – she noted.
Professor of the Department of Psychology, Ihor Popovych, emphasized her leadership qualities.
«Not every leader possesses the competence of managerial service. Nataliia Anatoliivna combines professionalism with kindness and empathy. These are the signs of a strong person», – said the professor.
Associate Professor Anastasiia Horlova read words of support from the defender of Ukraine, KSU Master's student Oleksandr Timerheliev, who expressed gratitude to the dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Liubov Petukhova, and the faculty teachers, and wished the staff unity, faith in their own strength, and the Victory of Ukraine. He spoke positively about Nataliia Voropai's candidacy.
Student Anna Lahoda noted:
«We know Nataliia Anatoliivna as a wonderful scientist who is truly passionate about her work. She puts her soul into everything she undertakes».
The speech by the dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Liubov Petukhova, was particularly emotional.
«Twenty-two years ago, Nataliia Anatoliivna came to us as a lyceum student to understand her future profession. Since then, she has not left KSU. She has traveled a great professional path, and during the university's relocation, she took on immense responsibility. To me, she is a special person. She loves the faculty, loves her colleagues, and I am proud that she was and remains part of our team. I wish that the faculty's traditions are not only preserved but also multiplied», – noted Liubov Petukhova.
Words of support for the candidate were also expressed by the dean of the Faculty of Psychology, History, and Sociology, Iryna Shaposhnykova. Professor of the Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, and Educational Management, named after Professor Ye. Petukhov, Valentyna Fedyaieva, emphasized the symbolism of transferring responsibility to a new generation of leaders.
«Our students are coming to replace our generation. This is wonderful. Nataliia Anatoliivna possesses professionalism, courage, and fortitude – exactly the qualities needed for a faculty leader today», – said the professor.
After the approval of the open voting procedure and the election of the counting committee, the meeting participants unanimously supported Nataliia Voropai's candidacy and recommended that the KSU Rector conclude a contract with her for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Pedagacy, Psychology, and Social Work. Summarizing the results, Rector Oleksandr Spivakovsky emphasized the importance of the support received.
«One hundred percent support from the staff is a great achievement and, at the same time, a great responsibility. There will be much work, trials, and difficult decisions ahead. We will have to work alongside our own teachers, finding a balance between respect for traditions and the necessity of development. My signature on the contract is important, but most important is the support of the staff that Nataliia Anatoliivna received today», – the rector summarized.
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