Paolo Pascucci is preparing to take the helm of the University of the Republic of San Marino. The new rector will officially take office on October 1, taking over from Corrado Petrocelli, who has led the university since 2014.
The appointment, approved by the Academic Senate on July 23, received unanimous approval from the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale). The University expressed satisfaction with this institutional transition. “The University of the Republic of San Marino wishes to highlight its appreciation for the recent unanimous approval expressed by the Grand and General Council regarding the ruling with which the Academic Senate, on July 23, appointed Paolo Pascucci as the new Rector of the San Marino university,” the statement reads.
The change at the top aims to ensure continuity in activities already underway in the fields of research, education, internationalization, student services and community-oriented projects. “The transition ensures continuity with initiatives already launched,” the University notes, consolidating the path built during Petrocelli’s terms.
During his twelve years at the helm, the University went through several key developments: San Marino’s entry into the European Higher Education Area, accreditation through the Institutional Evaluation Programme, and significant growth in student enrollment. The academic offering also expanded, with new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, professional master’s courses, advanced training pathways and doctoral programs. At the same time, the University’s involvement in projects supporting local institutions, organizations and private entities grew substantially.
A new phase now opens for Pascucci, marked by fresh challenges to address. “The new Rector will be tasked with ensuring continuity with his predecessor’s work while guiding the University through the emerging challenges on the horizon of the higher education system,” the statement continues. Among these are cited demographic decline, the growing spread of artificial intelligence tools, and the need to update the range of academic programs offered.
Finally, the University points to the role of its so-called third mission, with a renewed commitment to supporting the cultural, economic and social growth of San Marino. This task is expected to gain further importance ahead of the signing of the association agreement with the European Union.
