PSAPCS community unanimously supports Viktor Savchenko’s candidacy for the position of Director

On 3 June 2026, the SEI ‘Prydniprovska State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports’ of the Ukrainian State University of Science and Technologies held a staff conference dedicated to discussing the candidacy for the position of Director of the institute and presenting the PSAPCS Development Programme for 2026–2031.

 

The event was conducted in accordance with the Procedure for the Selection of Directors of Educational and Scientific Institutes at USUST, which requires the approval of a candidate by a majority vote of the institute’s self-governance body.

 

The sole candidate for the position was the current Director of PSAPCS, Professor Viktor Hryhorovych Savchenko, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences. Following the discussion, conference participants unanimously supported his candidacy, recognising his extensive leadership experience, strong professional reputation, and significant contribution to the development of sports education.

 

Viktor Savchenko’s name is widely known both in Ukraine and internationally. He is a European champion, the first Ukrainian boxer to become a world champion, a bronze medallist at the 1976 Olympic Games, and a silver medallist at the 1980 Olympic Games. He was also the first Ukrainian boxer to reach the Olympic podium at two consecutive Games. Following the completion of his athletic career, Viktor Savchenko dedicated himself to education and research, progressing from lecturer and coach to the head of one of Ukraine’s leading higher education institutions in the field of sports.

 

This year marks fifty years since Viktor Savchenko first became associated with the academy. He enrolled in the institution in 1976 and later became one of the individuals who helped shape its development and traditions.

 

During the presentation of his development programme, the candidate outlined his strategic vision for the institute over the next six years. Key priorities include enhancing the quality of specialist training, developing human resources, modernising infrastructure and facilities, strengthening research activities, expanding international cooperation, and advancing career guidance initiatives. Particular attention is devoted to the development of digital technologies, support for student research, enhancement of sports infrastructure, and improvement of management processes.

 

In his programme, Viktor Savchenko emphasised his vision of PSAPCS as a modern and competitive higher education institution integrated into the European Higher Education Area and providing high-quality training for professionals in physical culture, sports, healthcare, and rehabilitation.

During the discussion of both the candidacy and the development programme, support for Viktor Savchenko was expressed by the representatives of the university leadership, academic staff, researchers, and students.

 

First Vice-Rector of USUST, Professor Anatolii Radkevych, Doctor of Technical Sciences, highlighted the importance of the institute’s stable development in the context of contemporary challenges and noted that under Viktor Savchenko’s leadership the academy continues to preserve its traditions while actively evolving in line with modern requirements.

 

Vice-Rector for Research and Academic Affairs, Professor Oleksandr Zaichuk, Doctor of Technical Sciences, expressed support for the proposed development programme and stated that the rector of the university also fully supports Viktor Savchenko’s candidacy, highly appreciating the results of his work as director.

 

Deputy Director of PSAPCS, Professor Serhii Afanasiev, emphasised the consistency with which the institute’s strategic objectives have been implemented and the director’s ability to unite the community around common goals.

Deputy Director, Professor Nataliia Moskalenko, highlighted the value of the candidate’s practical sporting experience and his ongoing support for the development of various sports and educational initiatives.

 

Professor Olena Mitova, head of the Department of Sports Games, underscored the importance of preserving the academy’s scientific and pedagogical traditions while further developing international cooperation.

 

Associate Professor Dmytro Stepanenko, head of the Department of Athletics, focused on the development of sports infrastructure and the creation of modern conditions for training high-performance athletes.

Representing the Council of Young Scientists, Associate Professor Dmytro Solovei noted the support provided to early-career academic staff, doctoral candidates, and the development of the institute’s future academic talent pool.

 

On behalf of the student community, Stanislav Kysil, deputy chair of the PSAPCS Student Council, emphasised that for students Viktor Savchenko is regarded as a leader who is always open to dialogue, supports student initiatives, and creates opportunities to combine academic studies, research activities, and sporting careers.