The Founding Rector of our university, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman, will step down from his position as Rector on September 30, 2024, after serving since September 19, 2016. As of October 1, 2024, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay will take over the position of Rector.
The Rector Handover Ceremony took place on September 26, 2024, at the Kavacık Campus Conference Hall. The ceremony, which at times was filled with emotional moments, began with an opening speech by our Founding Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman. Expressing his happiness as he steps down from the role, Prof. Dr. Durman stated, "I am incredibly excited and at the same time emotional. Of course, every departure brings with it a new beginning. I will continue my work in the higher education community. In many countries, including our own, eight years is considered a customary period for leadership. It is believed that a leader can contribute everything they have to offer within eight years. I am someone who adheres to this principle. We have brought significant achievements to Beykoz University. We have become a model university in Turkish higher education. Above all, we have built a university with character, reputation, and high levels of satisfaction among students and staff. I believe that Beykoz University will continue to rise and achieve future success. Under the leadership of our new rector, the university will reach even greater heights. I arrived at this institution with beautiful feelings, but more importantly, I leave with even greater feelings of joy," he concluded.
Thanks from Our Board of Trustees to the Founding Rector
Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Engin Özmen, began his speech by thanking Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman for his significant contributions and projects over the past eight years. Özmen stated, "We always want to benefit from the knowledge, skills, and ideas of our Founding Rector. I thank him again for bringing the institution to where it is today. We have also planned the future of our university together. We will see Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay take Beykoz University to the next level as Rector. I believe he will contribute to our university in areas such as international relations and the business world. I wish Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman health and success in the future, and I wish Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay success in his new role."
During the ceremony, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Engin Özmen presented a plaque of service to Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman. Following this, the rector's robe was ceremoniously placed on Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay, marking the completion of the handover.
Burak Küntay: "My Goal is to Take the University Forward"
New Rector Prof. Dr. Burak Küntay began his address by first thanking the Founding Rector and shared the following remarks: "I believe the importance of positions lies in both the person who entrusts them to you and the one from whom you take over. I have admired how our Founding Rector has represented our university at the highest level in every setting and platform he has attended. He has left an important place in the hearts, minds, and consciences of everyone. This is extremely valuable. Institutions are always built on a culture. The essence of a university is not only the students you graduate, the professors you employ, or the diplomas and education you provide. It is the mark you leave on history hundreds of years from now. Your legacy is measured by the impact you make on your country, region, and even the world. That’s why every change is exciting and different, but it also marks the beginning of a new phase to carry forward. My sole goal is to add even more to the work entrusted to me by my esteemed predecessor, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Durman, and to pass it on to my successor in an enhanced form.
Academia is a stance, a perspective, an attitude. It is not just a duty to ourselves or the university we work for but to society. Ultimately, when we reflect upon ourselves, it is a matter of accountability to the world around us,” he concluded.
This content was updated on 27/09/2024.