The State University of Novi Pazar was established by a Decision of the Government of the Republic of Serbia on 26 October 2006. The University was founded with the aim of improving the educational profile of young people in the region through higher education, thereby contributing to faster development and an improved quality of life in south-western Serbia.
It was established as a higher education institution comprising three faculties: Philosophy, Law and Economics, and Technical and Technological Sciences. Over the following six years, under the leadership of the first appointed Rector, Prof. Dr Ćemal Dolicanin, the University developed through the development of modern and dynamic study programmes and the advancement of scientific research.
The University soon evolved into a unique integrated university organised through departments, enabling rapid development. During this period, the foundations were laid for the vision, core tasks, and objectives of the State University of Novi Pazar.
Core Tasks
As the highest educational and scientific institution, whose primary role is to carry out activities in the field of higher education and scientific research, the State University of Novi Pazar has clearly defined tasks and objectives:
- Transfer of scientific, professional, and artistic knowledge and skills at all types and levels of study, as well as the delivery of special programmes for continuing professional development;
- Implementation of scientific and artistic research projects of national and international significance;
- Promotion of scientific and artistic creativity, and preparation of students to apply acquired knowledge and skills in meeting the needs of modern society and the labour market;
- Publishing and dissemination of scientific, artistic and professional knowledge through publishing activities;
- Provision of the necessary knowledge and services to business entities in the surrounding region;
- Organisation of public forums, scientific and professional conferences, solidarity initiatives, and continuing education programmes for the general public in areas of importance to regional public life.
Strategic Goals
Through its Development Strategy, the State University of Novi Pazar has adopted a modern approach to the management of a higher education institution. The Strategy sets out the following core objectives for scientific and professional development:
- Transfer of advanced knowledge from all fields of science and the arts, as incorporated into the study programmes;
- Enabling students to solve problems independently by applying acquired knowledge and skills;
- Preparing students for professional leadership and teamwork;
- Developing students’ capacity to work on interdisciplinary projects using transdisciplinary competences in their chosen professions;
- Fostering communication skills — encompassing linguistic and mathematical proficiency, as well as computer literacy and proficiency in foreign languages — to provide direct access to professionally relevant information;
- Encouraging critical thinking through an understanding of scientific methods and the principles of logic, enabling analysis and reasoned judgement;
- Cultivating a code of conduct based on the understanding and respect of diversity, with a high level of interaction and teamwork;
- Building readiness for decision-making and the establishment of priorities, thereby facilitating the transfer of acquired knowledge and skills within the political, social, scientific, professional, and cultural spheres.