"The new team has a clear goal. In addition to fulfilling their assigned responsibilities, it is to foster greater collaboration both within and beyond the university. I have entrusted each area of management to individuals whose skills and experience, in my view, best match the needs of the university and the realization of my vision," explains Professor Ivan, outlining his decision.
The new Rector builds on the work of his predecessor, Prof. RNDr. Václav Snášel, CSc., while also bringing in fresh impulses defined in his candidacy program.
Below, we briefly introduce the new Vice-Rectors and the scope of their portfolios. The full distribution of responsibilities can be found in the university’s valid Organizational Rules.
Vice-Rector for Strategy and Legislation and the Rector’s Statutory Representative
Prof. Ing. Jiří Pokorný, Ph.D., MPA, dr. h. c. (Faculty of Safety Engineering)
Professor Pokorný, who was twice elected Dean of the Faculty of Safety Engineering, played a key role in transforming the faculty into a modern and sought-after institution. Under his leadership, the faculty recorded a record number of applicants and became one of the university’s fastest-growing components. This confirmed that safety-related topics resonate strongly with students. Together with his team, Jiří Pokorný secured a number of important projects, including the CESAR project, and significantly strengthened cooperation with practice, especially with the Integrated Rescue System. His professional focus lies in fire protection and crisis management.
He currently serves as Vice-Rector for Strategy and Development. At the university level, he is responsible for the creation and implementation of strategic documents, legal support for the university leadership, updates to internal regulations, and oversight of the quality assurance system. He also oversees the analysis of student and staff satisfaction.
“I want to contribute my expertise in this new role as well,” says Professor Pokorný, adding:
“My portfolio also includes the Project Support Centre, public procurement, and the University Institute of Forensic Expertise.”
Vice-Rector for Study Affairs
doc. Ing. Lenka Kauerová, CSc. (Faculty of Economics)
Assoc. Prof. Kauerová, an experienced Vice-Dean for Studies at the Faculty of Economics, has made a significant contribution to the development of support for students with special needs—not only at her faculty, but across the university. Under her leadership, the faculty successfully navigated accreditation changes and became a popular choice among applicants. Her academic expertise lies in international marketing.
In her new role as Vice-Rector for Studies, she is responsible for managing the academic agenda of bachelor's and master's programmes, coordinating the admissions process, scholarship policy, accreditation processes, and lifelong learning. Her portfolio also includes the Department of Social Sciences, the Language Institute, and the Institute of Physical Education and Sports.
Her vision is clear: “I want to build on my faculty experience in my work for the entire university. We must respond to trends and the changing needs of students by offering modular education systems, digitalizing academic administration, developing teaching competencies, and overall improving the quality of education—so that we remain an attractive and sought-after institution. This includes expanding our lifelong learning portfolio, including micro-credentials. I also see my role in strengthening methodological support in the areas of study and accreditation across the university.”
Vice-Rector for Science, Research and Doctoral Studies
prof. Ing. Jan Platoš, Ph.D. (Faculty of Electrical Enginneering and Computer Science)
Professor Platoš, former Dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and a recognized expert in data processing, brings a clear vision to his role as Vice-Rector: to transform our university into a dynamic hub of scientific excellence. A key innovation in his portfolio is the inclusion of doctoral studies, reflecting the university’s ambition to nurture a new generation of researchers. “Science is not just about publications and grants – it’s about solving the challenges our society faces. Our goal is to create an environment where talent thrives and discoveries change the world around us,” says Prof. Platoš.
Under his leadership falls the ecosystem that supports scientific excellence, including the Department of Strategic Analyses, the Central Library, and the PhD Academy. The Technology Transfer Centre protects university innovations and supports the creation of tech startups. Thanks to the Fraunhofer Innovation Platform, the university is also building partnerships with leading German research institutes. “I see our university as a bridge between scientific knowledge and practical solutions,” adds Prof. Platoš, who also oversees habilitation and professorial appointment procedures as well as the operation of the University’s Scientific Council.
Vice-Rector for Cooperation and International Relations
doc. Ing. Marek Pagáč, Ph.D. (Faculty of Mechanical Engineering)
Marek Pagáč is one of the most cited researchers at his faculty and a recognized expert in 3D printing. He is also an active promoter of its teaching—even at the secondary school level. His portfolio includes the strategic development of the university’s cooperation with industry and public administration, as well as monitoring graduate employability on the labour market. He is also responsible for the Industrial Board, the creation and implementation of the internationalization strategy, and the university’s presentation at trade fairs. “We’re already launching closer cooperation with the Moravian-Silesian Region to improve our outreach to secondary schools with their support,” he notes, commenting on the early stages of his new role.
A major part of his agenda is the management of the Career and Counseling Centre, which focuses on activities supporting both the career and personal development of students, aiming to strengthen their employability. He also heads the Department of International Cooperation and Services, which develops partnerships with foreign universities, manages international student recruitment, provides onboarding and scholarship support, and organizes events to promote internationalization. The department also operates the International Contact Point for international students and staff, thus creating a comprehensive service system to support the university’s internationalization efforts.
Bursar
Ing. Gabriela Mechelová
Ms. Mechelová continues in her role as Bursar. Her portfolio includes finance, human resources, investments, property management, BIM, and facility management. A significant part of her agenda also covers accommodation and catering services. “A new addition to my responsibilities is the Investment Construction Department, which provides methodological guidance for the university’s investment projects. I am also now responsible for the University Museum, which preserves our technical heritage,” says Ing. Mechelová, summarizing recent changes in the organizational structure.
She adds that the university continues its digitalization efforts and is preparing for the renovation of older buildings. “The campus must be managed both economically and ecologically. We want it to be a pleasant space for all of us at VSB-TUO, and at the same time we recognize that we are part of the city. We aim to strengthen cooperation with the City of Ostrava and the Poruba district, for example in improving transportation to and within the campus.”
Chancellor
Mgr. et Mgr. Tereza Benešová, Ph.D.
Dr. Benešová, who joined her position from the Project Support Centre and the Popularization Department, has long been engaged in international project cooperation, science popularization, and talent management. She also specializes in psychological counseling within the VSB-TUO Counseling Centre and mediation. Among her priorities are managing the Rector’s Office agenda and extensive interdepartmental collaboration, as well as institutional coordination of the university’s involvement in the alliance of European universities, U!REKA.
Her portfolio also includes the university’s communication and promotion departments. Under the Chancellor’s division, the Public Relations unit was reorganized and split into two separate departments. The first, the Marketing and Popularization Department, is responsible for student recruitment, university promotion, and alumni relations. The Media Relations and Communication Department focuses on the university’s external communication, media relations, and crisis communication.