PRESIDENT
According to the Articles of Association, the responsibilities of the President are to:
- Represent the Association in all external relations and official functions.
- Provide strategic leadership and ensure the implementation of EAHEA’s vision and mission.
- Supervise and coordinate the work of the Management Board and the General Secretariat.
- Act as the official spokesperson of EAHEA in national and international forums.
- Uphold the principles of quality assurance, academic integrity, and institutional autonomy.
- Approve and oversee the execution of major initiatives, partnerships, and policy directions.
Following our board of directors´ decision, Dr. Mehmet Selçuk Batal (Türkiye) was appointed the President of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) on March 11, 2024. Find below his introductory message to the membership and community at large.
Message from the President
Dear Members, Partners, and Supporters of Higher Education,
It is with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I extend my warmest greetings to all members of the European Association for Higher Education Advancement (EAHEA) and the global academic community.
As the President of EAHEA, I am deeply committed to our mission: to foster excellence, innovation, and integrity across all dimensions of higher education. In a rapidly transforming world, where knowledge has become both a catalyst and a compass for global development, the role of higher education institutions and quality assurance bodies has never been more critical.
At EAHEA, we believe that education is not just a pathway to individual growth but a pillar of collective progress. Our association is dedicated to supporting institutions, educators, and learners by promoting best practices in accreditation, quality assurance, and academic leadership. We envision a higher education ecosystem where transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement are not only values but everyday practices.
As we move forward, we are expanding our global network, forging new partnerships, and embracing technological advancements to ensure that our standards evolve with the times. We continue to collaborate with stakeholders across Europe and beyond, striving to harmonize educational quality and to support institutions in aligning with the expectations of international academic frameworks.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our member institutions, academic experts, volunteers, and partners who contribute tirelessly to our shared vision. Your commitment inspires our work and strengthens our resolve to uphold the highest standards in higher education.
Let us continue to work together to ensure that education remains inclusive, forward-looking, and anchored in quality. The future of our societies depends on how well we educate the present.
Thank you for your trust in EAHEA.
Warm regards,
Dr. Mehmet Selçuk Batal
President, EAHEA
Past Presidents
| Term | Title | Full Name | Nationality | Biography |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–1999 | Prof. Dr. | Heinrich Müller | Germany | Professor of Political Science at Heidelberg University. Specialized in EU integration. One of the founding members who helped shape the association’s initial structure. |
| 2000–2002 | Dr. | Isabella Conti | Italy | Holds a PhD in International Relations from the University of Bologna. Known for her work on gender and leadership in Europe. Established the Gender Equality Committee. |
| 2003–2005 | Prof. Dr. | Jean-Luc Moreau | France | Sociology professor at Sorbonne University. Focused on intercultural dialogue and European identity. Strengthened partnerships with French NGOs during his term. |
| 2006–2008 | Prof. Dr. | Elżbieta Nowak | Poland | Associate Professor of European Law at the University of Warsaw. Acted as an advisor during Poland’s EU accession. Founded the Legal Affairs Committee. |
| 2009–2011 | Dr. | Thomas Eriksen | Norway | Political philosopher with a PhD from the University of Oslo. Expert on Scandinavian welfare models and EU external cooperation. |
| 2012–2014 | Prof. Dr. | Sofia Dimitriou | Greece | Professor of Economics at the University of Athens. Focused on youth unemployment and sustainable development during the European debt crisis. |
| 2015–2017 | Dr. | Carlos Alvarez | Spain | PhD in Social Policy from the University of Barcelona. Specialized in local governance and integration policies. Promoted projects on refugee inclusion. |
| 2018–2020 | Prof. Dr. | Katarina Vuković | Croatia | Professor of International Relations at the University of Zagreb. Advocated for Western Balkan integration and launched regional cooperation initiatives. |
| 2021–2023 | Prof. Dr. | Liam O’Connor | Ireland | Associate Professor at Trinity College Dublin. Focused on EU-Ireland relations post-Brexit and digital civic engagement among youth. |
| 2024–Now | Dr. | Mehmet Selçuk Batal | Türkiye | Holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from the Northwest University. Leads research in lifelong learning and digital education. |
