A New Chapter for Health Sciences at UWB

The Academic Senate has endorsed a new dean for the Faculty of Health Sciences. According to a statement from the UWB Press Department, eight out of twelve Senate members supported the candidate. The final decision on the appointment now rests with the University Rector.

The Incoming Dean’s Vision

The incoming dean, whose name is Frei, previously served as a leader of oath in the Pilsen Region last fall, though he was not formally a member of the movement. He voluntarily withdrew from political activities after not being elected to the council. Until recently, he headed the Department of Nursing and Midwifery at the university, where he also lectured.

Looking ahead, frei aims to bring stability to the faculty over the next four years. His priorities include maintaining existing study programs, bolstering research activities, and supporting educators through professional development opportunities. My goal is to cultivate a leading educational surroundings for future healthcare professionals and make the faculty an attractive destination for prospective students, he stated.

Turbulence and Transition: A Look at Recent Leadership Changes

The appointment comes after a period of considerable upheaval within the faculty. The turbulence began in February 2023 with the resignation of the former Dean, lukáš Štich. Štich’s departure was prompted by allegations of mismanaging scholarship funds.

Earlier this year, in march 2025, Štich faced legal proceedings, confessing to a breach of duty in managing foreign assets. Prosecutor Libor Řeřicha stated, The accused demonstrably mismanaged financial resources that where not his, using them for personal gain through individuals connected to his account.

Štich’s defense attorney, Tomáš Gřivná, countered that the indictment failed to prove Štich used scholarship funds for personal enrichment, arguing that they were intended for the operation of a school institution.

Following Štich’s resignation, Jan Beránek stepped in as dean. However, his tenure was cut short after two years when the Rector, acting on the Senate’s suggestion, dismissed him in February 2025. The decision stemmed from concerns about communication between leadership and employees, handling of media-reported issues, personnel policies related to department leadership, and ensuring the quality of study programs.

The Broader Context: Challenges in Higher Education Leadership

The situation at the UWB’s Faculty of health Sciences reflects broader challenges facing higher education institutions globally. According to a 2024 study by the Higher Education Leadership Foundation, nearly 40% of university deans leave their positions within five years, citing factors such as increasing administrative burdens, funding pressures, and strained relationships with faculty and staff. The ability to navigate these challenges is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring the quality of education and research.