“ACNIS ReView from Yerevan”. It is profoundly disheartening when a person of integrity is unable to find his rightful place in life, whether in general or within his chosen field of work. Such situations adversely affect both the individual and the industry in which he is employed. These challenges often stem from poorly structured and inefficient personnel policies that disregard essential principles of recruitment, selection, placement, and training, while failing to appreciate the contributions of experienced and skilled professionals. It is not by choice but by necessity that a qualified engineer with a university degree becomes a taxi driver, or that a promising young mathematics teacher, who graduated with honors, resorts to selling dried fruits and nuts in the marketplace.
Recently, Yerevan State University (YSU) Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan signed an order initiating competitive elections for vacant chairholder positions at the university. The sole candidate for the position of Chair of Print and Broadcast Media within the Faculty of Journalism is Taron Danielyan, an hourly-paid lecturer and a candidate of philological sciences. If successful, Danielyan will fill a chairholder position that has been vacant since November 2021 through what is effectively an “uncontested” competition raising concerns about impartiality. Beyond his academic credentials, Danielyan is also a widely recognized master of ceremonies—a professional toastmaster.
As a philologist, Danielyan has sought to balance his modest lecturer’s salary by working as a toastmaster to support his family. When asked by Aravot.am whether he could effectively manage the responsibilities of a chairholder while continuing his secondary profession, Danielyan affirmed that his work as a toastmaster has never interfered with his academic and teaching duties. He also pledged to limit his toastmaster activities to weekends if elected as chairholder.
However, he candidly admitted that he cannot—and does not wish to—abandon his second job unless the state begins to properly value the contributions of professionals in science, education, arts, culture, and other humanitarian fields by offering adequate remuneration. This situation starkly highlights the inadequacies of current personnel policies, wherein a university leader entrusted with a critical academic role must supplement his income through unrelated work. While this pragmatic approach is understandable, it is undoubtedly humiliating for a dedicated scholar.
Read also
It is important to recognize that a toastmaster is not merely a wedding host but a figure with significant responsibilities—engaging and entertaining guests while ensuring the smooth flow of events. A skilled toastmaster combines the qualities of an artist, psychologist, and organizer. However, the fact that only one candidate applied for a pivotal university leadership position raises serious concerns about the state of the educational system and proper code of conduct. Furthermore, the public perception of the candidate as a professional toastmaster introduces potential ethical dilemmas, as his dual roles could lead to conflicts of interest. For example, it is conceivable that price negotiations for event-hosting services could occur between the lecturer and his students, creating uncomfortable situations. Additionally, the linguistic and cultural mindsets required for a toastmaster, journalist, and educator are distinct. Balancing these roles may hinder the development of critical journalistic thinking in students.
It is unreasonable to expect a robust education system, effective politicians, skilled teachers, professional journalists, or innovative scientists when these individuals are compelled to work as toastmasters, taxi drivers, waiters, or market vendors to make ends meet. Without addressing the systemic issues that erode professional dignity and financial stability, demanding excellence from these individuals is both unjust and unrealistic. Facing these dilemmas proactively can maintain the university’s integrity and foster trust in its academic and administrative practices.
The Armenian Center for National and International Studies
