In an interview with the well-known journalist and media expert Volodymyr SADIVNYCHYI, the SumDU rector, Vasyl KARPUSHA, outlined key priorities of the new term, spoke about challenges the university faces during the war, and shared his vision for institution development.

After winning the SumDU rector election, when the university community supported Vasyl KARPUSHA with almost 82% of the votes, the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine signed an order appointing him to the position from 1 June 2026.

According to the rector, the greatest source of motivation for him remains the university, with which he has been associated for over 30 years: from working as an assistant professor to the institution head.

“Our university motivates me the most. Over years, it has become my family”, – said Vasyl KARPUSHA.

Among main university achievements, the rector noted development of scientific activity and high positions of the institution in national and international rankings. SumDU managed to form a model of a modern research university with a high level of involvement of lecturers in scientific work and international projects.

“We managed to build a powerful research university – according to real indicators of funding science and involving lecturers in scientific activity,” – he emphasized.

Special attention was paid to support of university employees. In particular, this is approval of a policy for development of mental health, which will include psychological support, rehabilitation programs and development of mutual assistance culture.

Vasyl KARPUSHA is convinced that an important factor in professional motivation is remuneration. The current incentive system allows employees to significantly increase their income through scientific activity, participation in grant programs and international projects.

Speaking about internal climate at the university, the rector emphasized importance of open communication between administration and staff. Among planned innovations are regular meetings with employees, improving the system of informing about management decisions, and creating a kind of “bank of problem cases” for a prompt response to problems that concern employees.

Vasyl KARPUSHA called Sumy proximity to the state border as the most serious challenge for the university. According to him, due to the war, SumDU has already experienced a reduction in the number of students, primarily foreign ones. Before the full-scale invasion, they made up about 25% of the university’s student contingent.

Despite the difficult security situation, the SumDU leadership does not plan to transform the institution into a fully online university.

“We believe that a just peace in Ukraine will come in the near future. That is why we are not currently considering decisions to transition to a fully online university format,” – said Vasyl KARPUSHA.

After the war, the university will play an important role in recovery of Ukraine. First of all, it is about training highly qualified specialists, further development of SumDU as a research university. The third mission remains important: active interaction with the community. This is participation in regional policy, development of human capital, research of community needs and search for effective development solutions.

“SumDU is a valuable resource for the region, which should serve Ukraine after the Victory,” –noted Vasyl KARPUSHA.

The rector called on students to make the most of the opportunities that student years open up, and expressed gratitude to staff for their resilience, professionalism and dedication to the university.