During April 29 -May 01, 2025, EPOKA University successfully organized the second in-person meeting of its International Advisory Board, at the premises of the university campus. This prestigious gathering brought together renowned international experts in higher education, research, and innovation to offer strategic guidance on the university’s institutional growth and development.

Among the distinguished participants were Prof. Dr. Michael Murphy, Former President of the European University Association, Prof. Dr. Arben Merkoci, ICREA Professor at the Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology and Dr. Ben Swagerman, International Legal Expert.

The meeting started with the welcoming remarks of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Oztas, Rector of EPOKA University, who was accompanied by a delegation of the university composed of Dr. Niuton Mulleti, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Dr. Esmir Demaj, Administrator, Prof. Dr. Sokol Dervishi, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lisen Bashkurti, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences, Dr. Sadullah Yilmaz Dean of Student and Dr. Kelmend Nezha, Head of Institutional and Legal Affairs Office.

The Rector of EPOKA University, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Öztas, welcomed the members of the International Advisory Board and extended his greetings at this important meeting, emphasizing their essential role in supporting the strategic development and internationalization of the institution. 

Following the Rector’s address, a presentation of EPOKA University was delivered by Dr. Mulleti, who outlined the key objectives and priority areas for the university’s development in the coming years.

During his presentation, Dr. Niuton Mulleti highlighted key points from EPOKA University’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028, underlining the institution’s commitment to excellence and alignment with national development strategies and stakeholder expectations.

Key Strategic Objectives Presented:

• Deliver a high-quality teaching and learning environment;
• Enroll, educate, graduate, and support the employment of a diverse and high-achieving student body;
• Enhance the university’s capacity in research and project development;
• Foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship;
• Expand focus on regional and international student markets;
• Implement a revised Academic Performance Evaluation methodology considering research, teaching, innovation, leadership, and societal impact;
• Introduce a structured Administrative Staff Performance Evaluation system;
• Promote technology transfer in parallel with research and development activities;
• Incorporate inclusive Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity (DIE) policies;
• Integrate sustainability principles, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and carbon-neutral initiatives;
• Strengthen students’ soft skills to prepare them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving labor market.

This second meeting of the International Advisory Board reinforced EPOKA University’s dedication to continuous improvement, innovation, and its aspiration to become a leading institution in Albania and beyond.