30 YEARS OF CUAS: ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WITH NEW CEO IN VILLACH
On October 1st, the Carinthia University of Applied Sciences marks its 30th anniversary, welcoming Martin Waiguny as its new CEO.
The Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) at tpv Technology Park Villach has been an integral part of the region’s educational landscape for three decades. The first two degree programs were approved in 1995, and teaching in Villach began in 1996. Since then, CUAS has played a key role in education and innovation.
"CUAS is a major driver of education, innovation, and regional development. It has guided many young – including international – students toward successful careers and offers part-time and continuing education opportunities. It’s practically a jackpot for Villach as a city of education.“
– City Councilor for Universities Christian Pober
NEW CEO MOVES FROM THE DANUBE TO THE DRAU
Coinciding with the anniversary, Martin Waiguny assumes his role as CEO, succeeding Siegfried Spanz, who led the institution for 19 years. Waiguny, a specialist in marketing and controlling, joins CUAS from the University of Applied Sciences Krems.
"Villach is an especially important site for CUAS, particularly in research, with its laboratories providing students both theoretical and practical knowledge," Waiguny says. His goals: "We want to continue driving innovation in both teaching and research."
INTERNATIONALIZATION TO ATTRACT NEW STUDENTS
Looking ahead, greater internationalization, digitalization, and artificial intelligence will be key priorities. For Villach, Waiguny sees strong potential "through further development of existing programs and the introduction of new ones to attract additional students."
Since its founding, CUAS has educated 11,649 students. Villach alone has produced 7,700 graduates. Currently, 1,170 students are enrolled in civil engineering and architecture, engineering and IT, health and social sciences, and business and management programs.