International Balkan University (IBU) gathered its full academic corps for the annual End-of-the-Year Academic Meeting, a forum in which Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar reviewed recent progress, conferred new titles, and presented a strategic vision for the period ahead.

Strategic Developments and Academic Milestones

The meeting was chaired by Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfi Sunar, who presented a comprehensive review of the university’s recent progress and set out a roadmap for the coming academic term. Addressing the packed hall, he noted that IBU’s growth had accelerated over the past two years, telling colleagues, “Last year we opened many departments; this year we played the game very well.”

Prof. Dr. Sunar underscored landmark initiatives completed under the current administration. He cited the inauguration of the Balkan Research Center (BRC), the creation of several new laboratories, and the launch of the Balkan Dental Polyclinic as evidence of IBU’s expanding academic and clinical footprint. Turning to language education and internationalization, he reminded the audience, “We invested in the Preparatory/ Language School.” He added that the university’s publishing arm had begun producing peer-reviewed titles, remarking, “Our publication house gave the first results, and our journals are qualitative.”

Positioning IBU within a broader competitive landscape, the Rector declared, “We are the best in this country. Now we will compete with the regional universities. In the next years, we will compete with European universities.” He linked that ambition directly to staff dedication, observing, “This semester all staff spent their whole energy, and it gave results. Institutions get bigger with the inside success stories.”

He also presented performance data, highlighting a measurable increase in academic productivity. “The numbers speak for themselves. Our academicians have raised the bar, and I thank each of you for your contribution,” he noted.

Plans for the Coming Year

Looking to the immediate future, Prof. Dr. Sunar announced that the university will widen its academic portfolio and intensify graduate-level recruitment. “This year we will open some new departments. We will increase the number of Master and PhD students. Next year is a year of rise for us. We will increase the number of publications, research, projects, and bring better students in each field,” he said.

In infrastructure and quality assurance, the Rector confirmed two major undertakings: “We are starting the construction of the sports area in the campus.” He concluded by noting that the university’s internal metrics already show tangible progress, stating simply, “The academicians increased their performance level.”

Honoring Service and Leadership

During the meeting, several academicians were awarded new academic titles in recognition of their achievements. All faculty deans were also re-elected to their respective posts.

Special acknowledgment was given to Prof. Dr. Violeta Madzova and Prof. Dr. Viktorija Kafedziska, who are retiring. Rector Sunar commended both professors and thanked them for their long-standing contributions to the university.

The meeting concluded with an open floor session, where academicians were invited to share comments, experiences, and suggestions, reinforcing IBU’s commitment to inclusive academic dialogue.