New Academic Leadership at RIT Croatia

After successfully leading RIT Croatia for a quarter of a century, Don Hudspeth has retired from the position of the college's president and dean, handing over the reins to Dr. Irena Guszak. Dr. Guszak is committed to holistic approach to education, making sure the education system is always in line with the needs of the modern job market.

This is not the only change in the academic leadership. In college's mission to educate students for jobs of the future, Dr. Guszak will be assisted by two associate deans: Dr. Milivoj Marković, Associate Dean for Academic Programs, and Dr. Jakob Patekar, Associate Dean for Research and General Education.

''Dr. Marković and Dr. Patekar are highly knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields of interest'', said Dean Guszak. ''These accomplished academics and researchers have actively participated in some of the most relevant academic projects at RIT Croatia. With their engagement, ideas and creativity, as well as diligence, they contribute greatly to the quality of the education system provided by RIT Croatia. However, the most important thing about them is that they are phenomenal colleagues and individuals, loved and respected by their peers and students. We are privileged to have them as our associate deans.''

Dr. Milivoj Marković holds a Ph.D. in Business Economics from the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb, where he also obtained a Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA). As a Fulbright scholar, Milivoj developed expertise in analytical techniques for business research at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, University of Pittsburgh, during the academic year 2009/2010. He remains actively involved in the Fulbright program as a Supervisory Board member of the Croatian Fulbright and Humphrey Alumni Association.

Milivoj started his academic career at the Faculty of Economics and Business at the University of Zagreb and joined RIT Croatia in 2014. As a testament to his dedication, he progressed through several academic titles, from research assistant and lecturer to senior lecturer and senior research associate. His expertise lies in strategic management and competitive analysis in technology-based industries, industry evolution and strategic change, and growth strategies. He has authored numerous scientific and professional research papers covering various topics within different functional areas of business, and across diverse industries.

Recognized for his contribution, Dr. Marković has received Greatness in Professional Engagement and Service Award in 2021, the Faculty Research Award in 2019, and the Faculty Excellence Award in 2018, all from RIT Croatia. He also received RIT Lecturers’ Professional Development Grant in 2017.

''RIT Croatia programs are strongly focused on supporting student success'', said Dr. Marković. ''We are continuously improving the curriculum to educate our students with relevant knowledge and skill sets for the dynamic job market. As part of our mission, we continue to explore and introduce new programs for the growingly international student body so that we strengthen our regional position and contribute to the global relevance of the RIT brand."

Dr. Jakob Patekar holds a Ph.D. in Glottodidactics (Language Teaching) from the University of Zagreb, Croatia, and an M.A. in English Language and Literature and Education Science from the University of Rijeka, Croatia. His research interests are diverse and include language policy, language assessment, collocations, early language learning, and punctuation. He has delivered numerous talks and workshops at conferences in Croatia and abroad.

With his expertise and strong background in language teaching and research, Jakob has made significant contributions to this field through his research and professional papers. His professional background is in the Croatian public education system, in which he participated as an elementary school teacher, an English language advisor, a mentor to university students, and a teacher trainer. Notably, from 2015 to 2019, he was a member of the expert team who designed the National Curriculum of English. He also taught Introduction to English language teaching methodology at the University of Rijeka Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. 

Dr. Jakob Patekar joined RIT Croatia as a full-time faculty member in January 2017. Throughout his tenure, he has taken on various roles of increasing responsibility, including serving as the Area Head for Humanities and later as the Area Head for English and Modern Languages. In 2019, he assumed the position of General Education and Research Chair. He worked on several projects key to RIT Croatia, such as attaining the research institution status and introducing the honors program. 

Jakob has received several awards, including the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County Volunteer of the Year Award in 2007, and the RIT Croatia Greatness in Professional Engagement and Service Award in 2019, as well as RIT Croatia Faculty Excellence Award in 2022, and RIT Croatia Faculty Research Award, also in 2022. Dr. Patekar is the recipient of grants from RIT: Lecturers’ Professional Development Grant in 2018, and Provost’s Leadership Opportunity Grant, in 2018, and in 2022.

''I hope to foster a culture of research and innovation among faculty and students by creating a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and drives impactful research'', says Dr. Patekar. ''I firmly believe that general education plays a crucial role in equipping our students with the skills they need to thrive in today's complex world. With a focus on critical thinking and creativity, our general education program will serve as a strong foundation for intellectual development. I am committed to strengthening our general education portfolio to ensure that our students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.''