At University’s Senate session held on Friday, May 22, prof. Nikola Koceić-Bilan Ph.D. was elected the new Rector, for the term from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2030.
All 33 Senate members attended the session, and in a secret ballot, prof. Nikola Koceić-Bilan Ph.D. received the support of 24 members. Nine members voted for prof. Nikša Jajac Ph.D., while the candidate prof. Mile Dželalija Ph.D. received no votes.
Newly elected Rector thanked Senate members for their support, emphasizing that being elected to top position of the University is a great honor, but also a responsibility.
"When you belong to an academic community for many years, there is no greater honor than being recognized and chosen to be primus inter pares, 'first among equals', by people from that community. At the same time, it is also a great challenge. In all previous positions, I was always guided by the idea that one should serve, not rule. To govern - yes, sometimes making difficult decisions - also yes, but always remaining accessible, open and ready to build bridges of trust and a stimulating working environment" - prof. Nikola Koceić-Bilan Ph.D. said.
He emphasized that in the coming period, University of Split expects to achieve numerous goals that he stated in his program and that their success will require unity of all University components.
"We have numerous goals and developments ahead of us, that I presented in my work program, and their achievement will only be possible with unity and cooperation of all University components. A comparison recently came to my mind with apostles of different personalities and views, but gathered around the same spirit and same mission. In the same way we, each from our own constituent, should be guided by love for our University and continue to build it together" - the newly elected University of Split’s Rector, prof. Nikola Koceić-Bilan Ph.D. concluded.
