Today, the opening and presentation of new classrooms and laboratories of Kherson State University, temporarily allocated for KSU’s use, took place at Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University.
The event was attended by Acting Rector of PNU Ihor Tsependa, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Mykola Vynnytskyi, Rector of Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas Ihor Chudyk, Rector of King Danylo University Myroslav Lutskyi, faculty members, students, and media representatives.
Rector of Kherson State University Oleksandr Spivakovskyi noted: “Today’s event is extremely important for us, as it allows us to present the results of our work to the Ukrainian community, Ukrainian authorities, and international donors. We demonstrate resilience despite the challenges Kherson is facing. I am confident that victory will be ours, and we will return to rebuild our hometown.”
The newly renovated classrooms have been equipped according to modern standards. They are energy-independent and adapted to the needs of both faculty and students.
These facilities now house:
— The archaeological exhibition of the KSU History Museum and the zoological museum exhibition, both evacuated from Kherson under shelling.
— A laboratory for video content production and support, created within the Erasmus+ DigiUni and Smart PL projects.
— A training laboratory for restaurant technologies, part of the Faculty of Business and Law.
— An educational coworking center.
— The Friedrich Fröbel Educational Center, affiliated with the Faculty of Pedagogy.
Acting Rector of PNU Ihor Tsependa congratulated the colleagues: “We are pleased to see that Kherson State University is demonstrating positive dynamics—this is incredibly important. KSU serves as an example for many universities, their leaders, and academic communities, especially in moments of despair. Your university proves that even in the most difficult circumstances, with a strong leader and a dedicated team, it is possible to adapt and move forward. The achievements to date highlight two key aspects: first, the innovativeness of Ukrainian education, and second, the solidarity among educators. We must support each other not just with words but with concrete actions.”
As part of the event, the Psychological Resilience and Well-Being Center of Kherson State University was inaugurated. The center was established under the Erasmus+ BURN program (“Building Universities’ Resilience and Well-being in (Post-)War Ukraine”).
The center’s main activities focus on supporting all participants of the educational process, as well as providing psychological assistance to internally displaced persons and those affected by military aggression.
The center is equipped with modern technology, including:
— Tools for art therapy with sand.
— Relaxation technologies, including virtual reality headsets.
— An interactive whiteboard for training sessions and conferences.
— Sensory activation equipment for nervous system support.
Deputy Minister Mykola Vynnytskyi emphasized: “Today, we have seen KSU in action. It sets an example for other displaced universities on how to not only survive but also develop. Unfortunately, 21 universities in Ukraine have been forcibly relocated, and some, particularly those displaced since 2014, are gradually losing their identity. Over time, some institutions face decline. Kherson State University, however, proves that academic communities can be preserved through modern technologies, effective management, and strong leadership. But most importantly, the academic spirit unites the university team—and that is invaluable.”
