Prof. Dr. Milica Vukotić, Vice-rector for teaching and international cooperation at the University of Donja Gorica
In a time of rapid change, when education is moving beyond traditional models and increasingly relies on digital tools, international cooperation, and an interdisciplinary approach, the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) positions itself as one of the most innovative educational institutions not only in Montenegro but in the entire region. Speaking to Diplomacy & Commerce Montenegro magazine, Prof. Dr. Milica Vukotić, Vice-Rector for Teaching and International Cooperation at UDG, discussed the role of modular teaching, the importance of digital transformation, strategic partnerships such as the one with Arizona State University, and the mission of an education that combines knowledge, experience, and a global perspective. Through this interview, we discover what the future of education looks like from the perspective of an institution that is already shaping it today. Still, as Prof. Vukotić emphasizes, the university’s main goal remains to encourage students to think globally, act locally, and stay true to the values of knowledge, innovation, and responsibility.
Professor Vukotić, modularized teaching has emerged as one of the fundamental concept in the modernization of educational systems around the world. To what extent is this form of teaching present in the Montenegrin system of higher education?
Modularized teaching is significantly different from the traditional way of organizing teaching. Three years ago, the University of Donja Gorica (UDG) established a strategic partnership with the Arizona State University (ASU), the most innovative university in America, known for its modularized education. The UDG has access to all subjects from the ASU repository, this form of organizing classes is in the test phase at UDG. We started with small groups of male and female students, and every semester an increasing number of them will have access to this study model.
The lack of qualified personnel in certain industries is becoming an increasingly pronounced problem in Montenegro and beyond. This phenomenon calls into question the role of educational institutions in preparing new generations of experts who can respond to the needs of the market. How does the University of Donja Gorica contribute to solving this problem? How does UDG find a balance between creating expert and professional personnel and leaders – innovators in the industry?
The University of Donja Gorica addresses this challenge through a distinctive educational model based on the Professor’s equation: Ability = Knowledge × Life Intensity2. We believe that only through a combination of comprehensive knowledge and strong life experience, we can create personnel that respond to contemporary challenges. In this context, we promote an integrative methodology, hands-on experience, industry engagement, and global collaboration. Thus, we cultivate not only experts but also leaders and innovators. As metaphorically illustrated in our Study Almanac, we do not prepare male and female students to navigate in a swimming pool, full of uncertainties, but rather a mountain river, full of obstacles and uncertainty, which is what life is.
Digital transformation has become an indispensable part of modern education. What are the latest trends in the application of technology in education, and how does UDG monitor and implement these changes?
Since its establishment, the UDG has adhered to technical trends. Seventeen years ago, we possessed an advanced information system featuring a digital index, electronic examination registration, and course websites available solely to authenticated users, which also provided a platform for file exchange with lecturers. Over time, the system has been significantly improved. UDG is the only university in Montenegro that has a developed student application, which makes studying significantly easier for male and female students. In addition, platforms such as Canvas and Moodle are used in classes. Through the strategic partnership with ASU, significant attention is paid to blended learning: lecturers attend trainings related to this way of learning, and an increasing number of students have access to subjects from the ASU repository.
In modern education, international university cooperation plays an important role in raising the quality of teaching, research and student mobility. How does UDG develop and improve its international cooperation? What are the most important initiatives and partnerships that contribute to the global recognition of your University?
The best answer to this question is the fact that the majority of students, as one of the key reasons for choosing UDG, cites the wide availability of opportunities for international exchanges. Indeed, UDG has extremely developed international cooperation. The majority of male and female students utilize the Erasmus+ program; nevertheless, we have also established alternative exchange initiatives. Among them, I would like to point out exchanges with Chinese universities and the Marco Polo program, in which Vatel students spend one semester at one of over 50 Vatel schools around the world, where they are also provided with an internship. Certainly, we have the most extensive form of cooperation with ASU, the university that is number 1 in innovation in America for 10 years in a row. This cooperation is strategic and includes much more than the exchange itself – its essence is in joint development, innovation and longterm vision.