This is the impression of the newly appointed rector of the French University in Armenia Jean-Marc Lavest
Jean-Marc Lavest has been appointed to the position of a new rector at the French University of Armenia. “Aravot” asked the newly appointed rector of his mission in Armenia and what specific priorities he will focus on. “The position of the rector for the French University of Armenia is agreed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of France and Armenia’s authorities. Rector’s first mission is to administer the educational institution, an institution that provides bachelor’s and master’s degree, double Armenian and French diplomas, in cooperation with the University Jean Moulin Lyon-3. The University’s other mission is to develop links with regional countries. I know that there are Slavic, French and American universities in Armenia, and I want the French University to be recognized internationally. I would like to emphasize that we do not just give diplomas, we want the students to obtain a quality education and be able to work as soon as possible,” said the Rector.
Addressing the 31th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie, Mr. Lavest noted, “I’m very proud that the conference was held in Armenia and important issues were raised. The International Organization of la Francophonie has around 1 billion Francophones and the purpose of Francophonie is to disseminate the French language and the French culture. In this regard, it is very important to know what is being done in Armenia in this context.” A Senghor Chair of Francophonie is open in the French University, which is the Armenian branch of the appropriate network. What does this give to the University? In response to this question, the Rector of the French University said, “I am proud that this Chair is operating in our University because not all the universities in the world have such a structure. The Senghor Chair enables to enroll other universities’ network. The Senghor chair is a strategic importance structure.”
And what is his impression of the University and Armenia during these days? “I am in Armenia for a few days, and my impressions of Armenia and the University are still not much. Although my first impression is that the young people in your country are very dynamic, the mind of the people I met at the University is flexible, warm atmosphere domains, students have wonderful language skills. I think I have things to do at the University to make it a higher institution professionally. When I agreed to take this position, I knew that I am going to spend a few years in Armenia. Soon, my family will be moved here too, and I will be fully devoted to the work. To have a higher reputation for the University internationally, I highlight the establishment of a Scientific Center. As far as there are many banks and insurance companies in Armenia and the University’s cooperation with these companies, I think that it is necessary to establish a Scientific-Research Center related to these very spheres,” said Mr. Lavest.
During our conversation, he also talked about his past path in the career. He informed that prior to arriving in Armenia, he was the vice president of the University, he was the Head of the University Technology Institute, as well as the engineering school and has prepared the merging of it with another school. “I have enough experience and I will try to further develop the French University in Armenia as a European quality university. Also, I have implemented international projects in the field of education, I have worked in Asian countries. Incidentally, every time when I go to a foreign country, I always learn something new, and I hope that new knowledge is expected in Armenia too. I must add that we are going to have on an “open door day” in the University on October 16 and we are kindly ready to host those who have the willingness to study at the French University and their parents and to present our institution. Families trust in our University and we are obligated to justify this trust,” said our interlocutor.
The Rector noted that the tradition of the French University to carry out beautiful cultural events will be maintained as well. “We are in close cooperation with the French Embassy to Armenia and the Armenian counterparts and provide a space and resources for their cultural events, such measures surely contribute to the growth of the reputation of the French University of Armenia.”
Gohar HAKOBYAN,
“Aravot” daily
