Minister of Education Lissovyi Appoints New Acting Head for Kyiv University of Culture

Leadership Shift at Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts

According to Главком: Oksen Lissovyi, Ukraine's Minister of Education and Science, has replaced the acting head of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (KNUKiM). Ihor Komarnytskyi, a professor at the university's department of hotel, restaurant, and tourism business, has taken over the role of acting president from Mykhailo Poplavskyi. The news outlet 'Glavcom' was the first to report this development.

Mykhailo Poplavskyi, 76 at the time of the change, served as rector from 1995 to 2014. The title of the top position was changed to 'president' in 2015, and Poplavskyi was re-elected to it in 2021. However, in 2023, he expressed a desire to pass the role to a younger rector. Under his long tenure, the university grew into a leading arts institution in Ukraine, expanding its range of specializations and establishing a doctoral program.

The New Acting President

In appointing Ihor Komarnytskyi, Minister Lissovyi stated the change was necessary to ensure genuine electoral processes and uphold ethical standards in higher education. He emphasized that Poplavskyi's multi-decade tenure exceeded healthy norms for managerial turnover. This move is part of broader reforms in Ukraine's education sector aimed at modernizing governance.

Reflecting on his work, Poplavskyi commented: 'Over nearly 33 years as rector, my team and I created the best higher education arts institution in Ukraine – a University of the Future.' Mykhailo Poplavskyi

He concluded by expressing confidence that 'they are the heart of the University of Culture, which will continue to beat no matter what.'

The leadership transition at KNUKiM reflects wider trends in reforming Ukrainian higher education, focusing on updating management structures and improving ethical standards. Poplavskyi's departure after such a long period at the helm may signal to other institutions the need for renewal and adaptation to contemporary demands. The appointment of Ihor Komarnytskyi could also indicate an effort to bring younger professionals into educational leadership roles.