The official presentation event of Keele University, which has been granted a licence to establish and operate as a Non-State University in Greece, was held with great success.
The event took place in a packed Faros Hall at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, attended by the entire new leadership, administrative, and academic team of the University; the Chairman of BC Partners, Mr Nikos Stathopoulos; the Vice-Chancellor of the parent University in the United Kingdom, Professor Kevin Shakesheff; the Deputy Head of Mission of the United Kingdom; and the Heads of the British Council in Greece and Cyprus, Ms Robyn Goldsmith and Ms Anastasia Andritsou, as well as representatives of the academic and research community.
The Vice-Chancellor of the parent University in the United Kingdom, Professor Kevin Shakesheff; the Dean of the School of Law of Keele University in Greece, Aristotelis Charalambakis; the Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences of Keele University in Greece, Konstantinos–Simos Simopoulos; the Rector of Keele University in Greece, Odysseas Zoras; the Chair of the Board of Directors of Keele University in Greece, Dr Christina Paraskevopoulou; the Chairman of BC Partners and Alphabet Education, Mr Nikos Stathopoulos; and the Chair of the Academic Council of Keele University, Dinos Arkoumanis.
Internationalisation and Career Readiness
In her first address as the newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors of Keele University in Greece, Dr Christina Paraskevopoulou referred to the strong credentials of the parent University, its innovative teaching methods, world-renowned research, and the high levels of student satisfaction that consistently place it among the leading institutions in the United Kingdom.
Dr Paraskevopoulou outlined the strategic goals of the University, highlighting openness and the internationalisation of Greek higher education, while making special reference to the programmes of study, which have been designed with students’ career readiness in mind—preparing them not only with academic knowledge, but also with the practical skills required for a successful career in today’s interconnected world. As she stated: “This significant investment, combined with our commitment to attract and employ leading academic talent, highlights our fundamental belief that investment in education is an investment in knowledge, collective progress, and social mobility. It is tangible proof of our confidence in Greece’s future and in its human capital “.
A Distinguished Academic Leadership Team
The Chair of the Academic Council of Keele University, Emeritus Professor of the University of London and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens, Mr Dinos Arkoumanis, addressed the selection of academics who comprise the University’s leadership team. describing them as “exceptional collaborators who are an honour for the new institution and a source of inspiration for both academic staff and students.” Mr Arkoumanis announced that Professor Ismini Kriari, former Chancellor of Panteion University and member of the National Commission for UNESCO, has assumed the role of Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The positions of Dean of the School of Law and Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences have been undertaken by Aristotelis Charalambakis, Emeritus Professor of Criminal Law at Democritus University of Thrace, and Konstantinos–Simos Simopoulos, Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens and Emeritus Professor of Surgery at Democritus University of Thrace, respectively.
The Deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom, Ms Robyn Goldsmith, with the President of the Academic Council of Keele University in Greece, Mr Dinos Arkoumanis.
From Knowledge-Based Education to Competency-Based Education
The Vice-Chancellor of Keele University in Greece, Emeritus Professor of Surgical Oncology at the University of Crete and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens, Mr Odysseas Zoras, spoke about the transformation of higher education, which is moving “from knowledge-based education to competency-based education.”
As Mr. Zoras noted, Keele University’s contemporary programmes of study, strategically focused on cutting-edge fields, will serve as a catalyst for the modernisation of academic curricula in Greece—many of which, in several cases, no longer meet the needs of society or keep pace with the rapid development of new technologies.
“We are at the beginning of a new endeavour, which we are confident we can advance so that it responds effectively to the demands of today’s world of education, research, and learning,” he stated.
Mr Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners
A Strong Statement by Nikos Stathopoulos: “The most significant investment decision I have made in my 30-year career.”
Nikos Stathopoulos, Chairman of BC Partners stated:“Several months ago, we embarked on an initiative to bring to Greece a British university with a strong international footprint, synonymous with educational innovation, academic quality, and research excellence. This was not an easy undertaking. It required substantial investment and the assumption of risk. However, we had a clear vision, objectives, and strategy. We proceeded with a concrete plan, despite operating in a largely uncharted field.
Today, we are officially entering a new era for university education in Greece with confidence and determination, aiming to establish Keele as a destination for outstanding minds from Greece and abroad, thereby contributing to the strengthening of Greece’s position on the international academic and economic stage. Personally, I regard this initiative as the most important investment decision I have made in the course of my 30-year career “.
The Vice-Chancellor of the parent Keele University in the United Kingdom, Professor Kevin Shakesheff; the Vice-Chancellorof Keele University in Greece, Mr Odysseas Zoras; the Chair of the Board of Directors of Keele University in Greece, Dr Christina Paraskevopoulou; the Chair of the Academic Council of Keele University, Emeritus Professor of the University of London and Corresponding Member of the Academy of Athens, Mr Dinos Arkoumanis; and the Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences of Keele University in Greece, Ms Ismini Kriari.
