Jean-Jacques Montois, Rector of the French University in Armenia, is moving to a new job
In July 2012, Jean-Jacques Montois was just appointed a Rector of the French University in Armenia. In our interview with him on his first working day, the newly appointed Rector still three years ago had said that he has found a colorful country for him and has positive impressions of Armenia, as well as he is proud to work at the French University. Mr. Montois, in these days, is already saying goodbye to Armenia and his beloved French University.
In the interview with “Aravot”, already the former Rector said that the depart will not be long, and he possibly will come to Armenia with new projects. Before his leaving, we asked him to sum up the 2014-2015 academic year. “First of all, the University is in good shape in all prospective, including the students’ staff. We were able to admit more students, especially in “Banking and Insurance” specialty, we also have two big educational programs in the sphere of regional development and health management. I cannot but mention the TEMPUS project – “Transnational education, quality assurance and recognition” three-year project, which is coordinated by the French University. I must also add that the 2014-15 year is over, and we have good relations with our exclusive partner Jean Moulin Lyon-3 University,” said Jean-Jacques Montois.
As for the new Rector of the French University in Armenia, our interlocutor said, “He will have a new Rolls-Royce cars under his disposition, which is convenient, powerful and very reliable. And most importantly, he is moving into the future, given the healthy competition with Russian and American universities.”
The former Rector highlighted the successes of the University: the teamwork and dedication and competence of the whole staff. He singled out the contribution of the Vice Rector Arayik Navoyan and Financial Officer Vaghinak Meyroyan. “In these three years, we have moved ahead without interruption. It is excellent when you are involved in a dynamic, which is constantly evolving. These three years were another experience in another university environment. I think that the French University is a big success for Armenia and France, it is a result of bilateral contribution. Figuratively speaking, this is a successful marriage of French-Armenian Fund and the Lyon-3 University experience. One day, we will celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of our marriage. Being a rector at the French University in Armenia was not just a job for me but pleasure. I wish the next rector to enjoy the same as a head of the University.
To the point, from the very entrance to the University, you have the impression that everything here is possible to bring to life. Each university looks like a ship, and if the captain says that they should go to the right, and the crew would wish to sail the opposite direction, it will be difficult for the captain, but in the case of the French University, the captain and the crew sail in one direction, having Lyon-3 as a lighthouse. I definitely would like to thank the local authorities of the Republic of Armenia for their support to any of our initiative and for helping us. This is a successful cooperation project that is ongoing. There is a special spiritual connection between Armenians and French, which is mirrored in the French University.
I think that the years spent in Armenia were my best three years in terms of professional activities and the relationships with people. I’m not saying that I’m leaving Armenia because I take Armenia with me in my heart. It is very possible for me to return to Armenia. Armenians look like the people of my birthplace of Sen-Malo – scattered all over the world as sailors …… Going to Sen-Malo, I will try establishing ties between Armenia and Sen-Malo. I also thank the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for trusting this job to me, and now, I return rich,” said the former Rector of the French University. We learned from him that a few days later, he will be working in the education sector of health. Jean-Jacques Montois is entrusted the position of a university responsible for the international education relations in the healthcare sector in Bretagne. The professor hopes that he will be able to elaborate jointly managed Ph.D. programs to that the young people would be able to conduct researches in the healthcare industry.
Gohar HAKOBYAN,
“Aravot” daily
