On November 19, 2025, Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University held a ceremonial inauguration for the position of Rector. The university officially welcomed Doctor of Economics, Professor, and former First Vice-Rector Valentyna Yakubiv as its new head.
The ceremony was attended by Mykola Trofymenko, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine; the university’s faculty and academic staff; representatives of the city and regional authorities; heads of other higher education institutions; members of the university’s Supervisory Board; clergy; students; and invited guests.
Before the ceremony, attendees honored the memory of fallen defenders with a moment of silence.
In his welcoming remarks, Deputy Minister Mykola Trofymenko announced the Ministry’s order appointing Valentyna Mykhailivna as Rector, thanked her for her many years of service to the development of the university, and wished her fruitful, constructive, and responsible work in her new role.
“For me, Carpathian University is a model of what a modern regional university should be. It combines a strong scientific school, a mission grounded in values, awareness of state challenges, and daily work for the benefit of the country. The university responds to national challenges and offers solutions — through research, educational programs, international projects, and the training of young specialists.
I would also like to highlight the team built over the years under Professor Ihor Tsependa’s leadership. This team raised the university to a new level, formed a recognizable brand, and created a strong community spirit. Today, I had the pleasure, on behalf of the Ministry, to present Ihor Yevhenovych with the ‘Excellence in Education of Ukraine’ award for his professionalism, dedication, and significant contribution to the development of education and science. His experience will continue to support the university’s management.
Another defining feature of this university is its willingness to embrace bold experiments. Participation in the pilot program with a new management model and the establishment of the Supervisory Board, which includes leading businesspeople, scientists, and managers, demonstrates how the university can become even more effective, open to partnerships, and results-driven. Enrollment trends, the growth of technological schools and dual education programs, and strong scientific and educational projects confirm that this is the right path,” the Deputy Minister noted.
After the announcement of the Ministry’s order, Valentyna Mykhailivna took the oath of office as Rector. In her speech, she emphasized that this high position is both a great honor and a significant responsibility. She thanked the university community for their trust, support, and collaboration, stressing that the university’s development is possible only through the unity, professionalism, and responsibility of the entire academic community.
“For me, the university is first and foremost its people and values. Honesty, humanity, intellect, freedom of thought, and responsibility for every word and deed are at its core. My mission as Rector is to create conditions for students that ensure their competitiveness and demand in the labor market; for staff — opportunities for professional achievement and self-realization; and for the university — all the prerequisites to become a space for innovation and a reliable pillar for regional and national development. We will create a space where education, science, business, and the community work in unison, strengthening each other for the post-war recovery of Ukraine. Despite all challenges and losses, we are united by one goal — to develop education, science, culture, and strengthen our region and country.”
The previous Rector, Professor Ihor Tsependa, Corresponding Member of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine and laureate of the Boris Paton National Prize, ceremoniously passed the rector’s mantle to Valentyna Yakubiv. He emphasized that the university is entering a new stage of development, wished her wisdom, balanced decisions, and staff support, and expressed confidence that her energy, experience, and openness to innovation will bring new achievements and strengthen the university’s position on Ukraine’s educational map.
Blessings and support were also offered by:
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Metropolitan Volodymyr Viityshyn of the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church;
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Metropolitan Iosaf of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
The new Rector was also congratulated by:
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Dmytro Romaniuk, Chair of the University Supervisory Board;
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Kristina Torgan, Deputy Head of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Military Administration;
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Oleksandr Sych, Chair of the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Council;
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Ruslan Martsinkiv, Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk;
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Maciej Szymanowski, representative of the Institute of Eastern Studies at the University of Warsaw;
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Oleksandr Spivakovskyi, Rector of Kherson State University;
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Ihor Chudyk, Rector of Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas;
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Roman Yatsyshyn, Rector of Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University;
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Myroslav Lutskyi, Rector of King Danylo University;
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Vasyl Klymonchuk, Head of the University Trade Union Committee;
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Viktoria Savchyn, Head of the Student Senate;
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Ivan Khomiak, Head of the Student and Postgraduate Union Committee; and others.
The ceremony concluded with the university choir performing the prayer for Ukraine, “O Great and Only God”, adding a special solemn and spiritual tone to the event.
Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University sincerely congratulates Valentyna Yakubiv on assuming the position of Rector and wishes her wisdom, inspiration, and new achievements for the benefit of the university community and Ukraine.