Over a thousand deans from the prominent business schools worldwide recently participated in the AACSB International (AACSB) conference, a global association that fosters connections between educators, students, and the business community. Prof. Iryna Tykhomyrova, president of MIM-Kyiv attended the event and shared our school's remarkable resilience amidst the challenges of war.

Prof. Tykhomyrova discussed the school's successful transition to a new working mode and their adept crisis management decision-making. During her presentation, she shared the stage with the dean from Antwerp, whose school premises had suffered from a fire caused by a short circuit during the pandemic and lockdowns. Despite their respective difficulties, both schools triumphed over adversity—Antwerp's building was restored and is now operational, while MIM-Kyiv overcame the challenges posed by a full-blown war, including missile shelling, displaced people, and faculty members experiencing occupation. The Russian missile also caused damage to their building. Prof. Tykhomyrova highlighted the joy of rebuilding their facilities, resuming studies, and constructing shelling-protected classrooms that are fully equipped to continue classes.

Prof. Tykhomyrova's speech deeply moved the audience, who expressed their support for the Ukrainian people and their cause. While Eastern European deans are not frequent attendees at such events, which are usually dominated by representatives from Asia, Africa, and Western Europe, this year saw the participation of deans from Croatia and Slovenia. Notably, Russian educators are not welcomed at these events and professional associations of educators due to the united stance of the Ukrainian academic community.