ELECTION OF TWO NEW VICE-RECTORS AT NEAPOLIS UNIVERSITY PAFOS

Following the completion of the elections at Neapolis University Pafos, two new Vice-Rectors have joined the existing Rectorate, and the University’s academic leadership is now composed as follows:

Rector: Professor Pantelis Sklias

Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation: Professor Savvas Chatzichristofis

Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning: Professor Nikos Theodorakopoulos

Vice-Rector for Community and EMERGE European Universities Alliance Engagement: Professor Marios Argyrides

The Rector of Neapolis University Pafos, Professor Pantelis Sklias, stated:

“It is with great pleasure that I congratulate and welcome the two new Vice-Rectors, Professors Nikos Theodorakopoulos and Marios Argyrides. Together with the currently serving Vice-Rector, Professor Savvas Chatzichristofis, their appointment further strengthens the University’s already established ecosystem of dynamic and high-quality academic development. At the same time, these appointments reinforce the key pillars of our University’s development, focusing on research and innovation, academic quality and integrity, and lifelong learning, while reaffirming the University’s commitment to a strong social impact and to a shared path forward with our partners in the EMERGE European Universities Alliance. I am confident that the presence of the new Vice-Rectors will contribute decisively to further strengthening our academic community and the implementation of the strategic vision of Neapolis University Pafos. Through collegiality, collaboration and a firm commitment to excellence, we continue, with even greater momentum and motivation, our path of growth and international engagement and extroversion, for the benefit of our academic community, society, and higher university education in the Republic of Cyprus.”

Brief biographies of the three Vice-Rectors follow.

Professor Savvas A. Chatzichristofis is Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, Professor of Artificial Intelligence, Head of the Department of Computer Science, and Director of the Intelligent Systems Laboratory at Neapolis University Pafos. He also coordinates the University’s programmes in Applied Computer Science and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. He holds a Diploma in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a Ph.D. in Computer Vision from Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. His research spans artificial intelligence, computer vision, image retrieval, autonomous and robotic systems, and AI in education, with an emphasis on translating scientific research into reliable technologies, open-source software, educational practice, and public value. He has published extensively, participated in numerous European and nationally funded research projects, and received multiple distinctions and awards for his contributions to research, innovation, and education. He is a member of Cyprus’s National Artificial Intelligence Taskforce, contributing to the development of the National AI Strategy, and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the international journal AI in Education.

Professor Nicholas Theodorakopoulos is Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Lifelong Learning, and Dean of the School of Economics, Business and Computer Science at Neapolis University Pafos. He is also an Honorary Professor of Entrepreneurship Development at Aston Business School, Aston University, United Kingdom. Before joining Neapolis University Pafos, he served on the ABS Senior Management Team as Associate Dean for Internationalisation and Head of the Work and Organisation Department. He was previously Academic Deputy Director of the Goldman Sachs “10,000 Small Businesses” programme at ABS. His main areas of teaching and research include strategic entrepreneurship, learning and development and innovation, as well as diversity and inclusion. He has received substantial financial support from various bodies, including European Commission, Economic & Social Research Council, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Leicestershire Learning and Skills Council, Centre for Enterprise, and UK Trade and Investment to examine entrepreneurship in different contexts, deliver positive impact and inform policy making at both regional and national levels. His research papers have received awards at international conferences and have been published in leading academic journals rated 4 in the Chartered Association of Business Schools Academic Journal Guide. These include British Journal of Management, Human Resource Management, Human Resource Management Journal, Public Administration and Work, Employment and Society. He is an elected member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and has held visiting professorships at academic institutions in several countries, including India, Italy, France and Greece. He is also a Certified Lifelong Learning Trainer, Level 5, accredited by the Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA). His engagement with the industry and academic experience span the private, public and third sectors, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Professor Marios Argyrides is Vice-Rector for Community and EMERGE European University Alliance Engagement, Professor of Counselling Psychology, Head of the Department of Psychology, and Director of the Well-being, Eating and Appearance Research Laboratory (W.E.A.R.L.) at Neapolis University Pafos. As the first person to hold this institutional portfolio, he leads the University’s engagement with the EMERGE Alliance and advances partnerships that connect students, staff, education, and research with communities, public authorities, civil society, and partner institutions in Cyprus, Europe, and beyond. He is a licensed psychologist in Cyprus and holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Tennessee State University and an M.Sc. in Applied Psychology from the University of South Alabama. His research spans well-being, body image, eating behaviours and disorders, counselling, and multicultural psychology, with an emphasis on translating research into evidence-based interventions, inclusive practice, community benefit, and public value. He has published extensively, authored books, and participated in numerous Erasmus+, COST, and other European and international initiatives. He is an appointed member of the Cyprus National Bioethics Committee and serves as Editor-in-Chief of the international European Journal of Counseling Psychology.