On 12 October 2026, Acting Rector of the University of Banja Luka Prof. Ranko Škrbić, PhD, hosted a formal reception for newly appointed professors and teaching associates who had received their first academic appointments at the University's faculties and Academy of Arts.
Rector Škrbić noted that 34 new professors and teaching associates had been appointed to academic positions during the preceding period, including 21 teaching assistants, three senior teaching assistants, nine assistant professors, and one artistic associate.
He announced further efforts to strengthen the University's staffing, emphasizing that employing young teaching associates, researchers, and scientists was essential for the development of the faculties, the improvement of the teaching process, and the preservation of the quality of higher education.
“Our goal is to increase the number of employees at the faculties and establish a staffing base for their further development. We must enable young people to pursue professional development, undertake doctoral studies, and acquire knowledge abroad so that they can bring the experience they gain back to their home faculties,” Rector Škrbić stated.
The Rector said that he had discussed staffing needs with the deans and expressed his support for expanding the teaching and associate staff.
Dr Goran Bokan, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Banja Luka, said that after 28 years of education and professional development, he had attained the rank of assistant professor at the Department of Internal Medicine.
Dr Bokan, a specialist in internal medicine and gastroenterology, emphasized that career advancement in teaching, gaining experience at medical centers abroad, and promoting study programs were important for the development of the faculty and attracting new students.
“Continuous professional development and the exchange of experience with foreign medical centers help improve teaching and professional practice, while also increasing the visibility of our study programs,” Bokan emphasized.
Radovan Ivanović, MA, a teaching assistant in the Accordion Study Program at the Academy of Arts, said he was particularly pleased to have been given the opportunity to join the academic community at the Academy, where he had also studied, after completing his education and master's studies.
He noted that he viewed his new position as an opportunity to pass on the knowledge and experience he had acquired to future generations, emphasizing that dedication to work and continuous professional development should be recognized and valued.
The formal reception was organized as part of the activities marking the University of Banja Luka Day.
Photo: D. Desnica
