Calin D. Oros, Rector of Valahia University in Targoviste, Dambovita County, has played a significant role in the creation of high-quality education, national competitiveness and international visibility for the Valahia University. He discusses his accomplishments, advantages and future plans.
European Times: What are the high points of your career?
Calin D. Oros: After graduating from the Faculty of Physics of the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj in 1989, I started working as a high school teacher. My first engagement with Valahia University was shortly after its establishment in 1992, when I started teaching as an assistant. I had the opportunity to be a visiting scientist at Rutherford-Appleton Laboratories in Oxford in 1998, and three years later I received my PhD degree in physics engineering at the Politehnica University of Bucharest. Currently I am an associate professor at the Faculty of Science where I teach physics, and in May 2016, I was elected for a second term as Rector.
European Times: What has been Valahia University greatest success story in your mandate as Rector?
Calin D. Oros: During my mandate, we built a new ultramodern campus with three new dormitories. We also inaugurated new state-of-the-art Research Institute, an investment of €14 million from European funds and launched two university buildings where we moved five faculties. Today the university has 7.500 students, 300 teachers, 25 research scientists, 10 faculties, nine in Targoviste and one in Alexandria. We have 35 bachelor programs, 34 master programs and six doctoral areas.
European Times: What are your endeavours in order to attract foreign students?
Calin D. Oros: The University created the Department of Studies in foreign languages and started two master’s programs in foreign languages, one in engineering and one in history. We also provided revolutionary laboratory equipment both for teaching and scientific research. However, there is room for improvement in regards to the public image of the University. I personally believe that there are many areas in North Africa, the Middle East, perhaps even in China where the University should increase its visibility, especially focusing on educational fairs.
European Times: What is your personal message to potential students?
Calin D. Oros: The Valahia University is the crowning jewel of the city of Targoviste and I strongly believe that one day Valahia University will become the new Oxford in Romania. I encourage both domestic and foreign students to consider Valahia University as their choice for higher education, promising high quality of education which has always been our primary focus.
