HMU: A New Era in Leadership
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On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU) held a modest yet deeply symbolic ceremony at the Rectorate’s Conference Hall to mark the official transition of its leadership. The event, attended by members of both the outgoing and incoming Rectoral Authorities as well as representatives of the former and newly appointed Governing Council, reflected the continuity, stability and institutional maturity of an academic community that has evolved significantly over the past decade.
For outgoing Rector Professor Nikos Katsarakis, the moment carried emotional weight. His nine year tenure coincided with two historic milestones: the transformation of the former TEI of Crete into the Hellenic Mediterranean University in 2019, and the establishment of the School of Engineering in 2025. These developments reshaped the academic identity of the institution and positioned HMU as one of the most dynamic public universities in Greece.
Professor Katsarakis highlighted the University’s strong performance in national and international evaluations. HMU has earned high distinctions from the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education, demonstrating excellence in societal engagement and internationalisation. The University’s recognition by QS, with an overall four star rating and the maximum five star distinction in Research, Employability and Good Governance, underscores its rising academic profile and expanding footprint in Greece and beyond. He attributed this progress to the collective effort of the entire university community and expressed confidence that HMU is now equipped to ascend even higher on the academic map of Europe.
The new Rector, Professor Nektarios Papadogiannis, expressed gratitude to his predecessor and the outgoing leadership team, acknowledging the strong foundations they leave behind. He emphasised that the new administration inherits a university with robust academic departments, growing student trust and a trajectory of continuous advancement. His strategic vision for the new term is centred on “qualitative overachievement,” a commitment to excellence across teaching, research, infrastructure, governance and the daily experience of the university community.
Students, he stressed, must remain at the heart of HMU’s mission. Priorities include student housing and welfare across all campuses, enhanced psychosocial support, improved accessibility and safety, modern classrooms and laboratories, and a renewed focus on sports, culture and overall student life. “Our academic contribution begins with the quality of everyday life,” he noted, framing student experience as a core pillar of institutional excellence.
Professor Papadogiannis also outlined HMU’s ambition to strengthen its international presence and evolve into a regional academic hub for the Eastern Mediterranean. A comprehensive ten year infrastructure plan for Heraklion, Rethymno, Chania, Agios Nikolaos and Sitia, along with a full digital transformation of the University, forms part of this long term strategy. He underscored the importance of a governance model rooted in transparency, accountability, participation, fairness and academic meritocracy — principles he considers essential for building a modern, outward looking institution.
Closing his remarks, the new Rector thanked Professor Katsarakis for his longstanding contribution and reaffirmed his belief in the potential of HMU’s people. He committed to a leadership approach grounded in planning, measurable objectives, evaluation, openness and continuous improvement. His aspiration for the end of the four year term is clear: for HMU to be “stronger, better and more optimistic,” marking the beginning of a new chapter for the University.
