The Board of Trustees met in New York for the regular meeting in the US in the last weekend of January 2026. The conversations they had were not only about plans and numbers, but about community – the students, faculty, staff, alumni, as well as the wider AUBG community which contributes to AUBG.
“Throughout the weekend, we reviewed academic priorities, campus initiatives, student experience, financial stability, and the many areas that support AUBG’s long-term strength,” said BoT Chair Jenik Radon, Esq. “The discussions were open and thoughtful, with a focus on making sure AUBG remains a place where learning, opportunity, and a sense of community thrive.”
Find the updates below.
Admissions
Admissions remains strong as we continue to attract top students from Bulgaria, the Balkans and abroad, including the US. We continue our focus on international recruitment alongside continued active engagement in Bulgaria. However, new national regulatory requirements have introduced added complexity for international candidates. The good news is that the team is managing cases individually and working closely with state institutions to minimize disruption.
Our recruitment efforts across Bulgaria and the region remain active, with continued attention to selectivity, academic achievement, and ensuring long-term institutional capacity to support AUBG as a vibrant liberal arts residential college. The Board also thanked the Admissions team for their great work and dedication, and for the effort they continue to put into attracting outstanding students.
Marketing & Communications
Marketing efforts continue to actively support Admissions, Development and Alumni Relations, and the Executive MBA program to advance AUBG’s recognition as a leading academic institution. Key priorities included visibility for recruitment initiatives, major events, and alumni engagement campaigns, alongside support for EMBA activities.
EMBA & Executive Education
The Executive MBA program continues to demonstrate stability and strong engagement. Visibility for scholarships, admissions milestones, and leadership-focused events remains a key priority, reinforcing AUBG’s position in executive and professional education. This year’s cohort welcomed 19 EMBA students.
Development & Alumni Relations
Development efforts remain focused on donor cultivation and appreciation, and relationship-building amid a challenging external funding environment. Emphasis continues on openness, trust, and engagement with alumni, corporate partners, and friends of the University. Planning is underway to ensure continuity during the upcoming leadership transition, with the current team maintaining active momentum and engagement with our diverse stakeholders and friends.
Student Life & Academic Support
Student life initiatives continue to enhance transparency, communication, and engagement across the campus while strengthening community, belonging, and academic success. Recent efforts have expanded intercultural and community-building programs through increased student, faculty, and staff participation in academic and co-curricular activities, as well as highly attended campus-wide community events developed in collaboration with multiple university offices.
Campus Development: Skaptopara III
The Skaptopara III residence hall expansion continues as part of AUBG’s long-term commitment to an inclusive and sustainable residential environment, which makes AUBG distinctive in the Balkans and Europe. Construction is underway following a transparent tender process, with robust oversight, and cross-departmental coordination to ensure steady progress and minimal disruption to campus life.
Governance
Svetozar Georgiev (’00) stepped down from the Board after many years of dedicated service to AUBG, during which he supported the University in numerous ways, including through financial contributions, expertise, and outstanding leadership of the Board’s Development Committee. We expressed our profound gratitude for everything he has done for AUBG. The good news is that he will continue his service and contribution as a member of the University Council.
We also welcomed two new members to the Council: Pawel Chrobok, son of Princess Maria Luisa, a long-standing and ardent supporter and friend of AUBG; and alumnus Borislav Tochevski (’97), who brings strong business leadership and a legacy of philanthropic support.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for your continued dedication to AUBG. We remain committed to enhancing the University’s long-term strength as a recognized leading liberal arts university and look forward to continuing this engagement together.”
