On 11 June 2026, the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Maribor (UM FEB) proudly celebrated its traditional Day of the School, bringing together students, staff, alumni, business partners, and representatives of the academic community and wider society.

The day’s events began in the morning with the Regional Meeting of Deans of Economics and Business Schools from Southeast Europe, hosted by UM FEB. Representatives of partner institutions from Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia and Hungary attended the meeting. Discussions focused on current challenges and opportunities in business education, internationalisation, quality assurance, and strengthening regional cooperation among higher education institutions. Particular attention was devoted to the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which is expected to provide a framework for future collaboration and joint activities among the participating institutions.

On the same day, the meeting of the UM FEB International Advisory Board (IAB) was also held. The Board brings together distinguished representatives of international business schools and universities. Participants included members from Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand), Indiana University (USA), Pforzheim University (Germany), and the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Zagreb (Croatia). Discussions focused on the school’s further strategic development and the strengthening of its international engagement in education, research, and collaboration with external stakeholders.

This year’s Day of the School held special significance as UM FEB celebrated an important international achievement. The Master’s Study Programme in Economics and Business Sciences became the first study programme in Slovenia to receive the prestigious EFMD accreditation. The accreditation confirms the programme’s quality, international comparability, and commitment to continuous development and improvement.

The keynote speaker was Prof. Dr. Arun A. Elias, Dean for Internationalisation and Accreditation at the Wellington School of Business and Government, New Zealand. In his address, he emphasised that the excellence of business schools cannot be measured solely by international rankings and accreditations. He highlighted the importance of societal impact, international cooperation, innovation, responsible leadership, and the ability of higher education institutions to respond to global challenges while remaining closely connected to their local communities.

An important part of the ceremony was the presentation of awards and recognitions to students, staff members, and business partners for their achievements, dedication, and contributions to the development of the school:

• Prof. Dr. Franc Koletnik received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding accomplishments, achievements, and contributions to the development and reputation of the Faculty of Economics and Business.
• Prof. Dr. Mojca Duh received an award for outstanding achievements in ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility.
• Prof. Dr. Zlatko Nedelko received an award for outstanding achievements in internationalisation.
• Prof. Dr. Borut Milfelner received an award for outstanding achievements and contributions to the development of scientific research at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
• Prof. Dr. Janko Marovt received an award for outstanding achievements in teaching and the development of teaching quality at the Faculty of Economics and Business.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anamarija Vujanović received the UM FEB Researcher Award for outstanding early-career research achievements.
• Prof. dr. Duško Uršič received an award for collaboration with the business community.
• Mag. Sabina Sobočan, received a commemorative certificate for many years of dedicated and proactive cooperation with the Faculty of Economics and Business.
• Nataša Hlade, univ. dipl. bibl., etn. in antr. kult., received an award for professional excellence.
• Lina Jenšac, dipl. ekon. (UN), received the Dean’s Award for Student of the Year of the Faculty of Economics and Business.
• Nika Pučko, dipl. ekon. (UN), received the Award for Outstanding Student Achievement of the Faculty of Economics and Business.

We sincerely congratulate all award recipients and express our gratitude for their valuable contributions to the development of the school, the profession, and society as a whole.

Once again, Day of the School highlighted the importance of academic excellence, international collaboration, social responsibility, and the collective efforts of all those who contribute to the development and success of UM FEB.