A turning point for universities?

Finally, something seems to be changing at Greece’s universities as esteemed and capable academics, who respect the institutions they serve and the students under their wings, have thrown their hats into the election race for the top administrative positions in the tertiary education sector.

After years of being ruled by individuals who emerged from the powerful political party factions within the student body and who depended on politicians to advance their careers without having any real interest in the good of the institutions themselves, the academic community is starting to turn to people who have earned its respect by the way that they have done their job and by their independent stance.

This year’s elections, scheduled for July, are going to be critical. If the rectors that emerge from them are truly worthy, and not the product of compromise and promises, then things will surely turn around for the country’s beleaguered universities.