Prof. Rafi Melnick has been appointed president of Reichman University. He will replace Founding President Prof. Uriel Reichman, who announced the conclusion of his term as president last September. Reichman's announcement came in the wake of the Council for Higher Education’s official recognition of the institution as a university – the first private university in Israel – and the institution’s Board of Directors’ decision to change its name to Reichman University.
Prof. Reichman was appointed chairman of the Board of Directors, an unpaid position, and a search committee was appointed to replace him. Prof. Melnick was unanimously elected by the search committee appointed to find a new president for Reichman University. The appointment of Prof. Melnick, the university’s provost, was approved by the Board of Directors and the General Assembly of Reichman University. Prof. Melnick, who had been serving as the university’s provost, replaced Prof. Reichman in September as acting president.
Prof. Uriel Reichman welcomed Prof. Melnick's election as president of the university, saying, “Reichman University is blessed to have Prof. Rafi Melnick appointed as the second president in its history. Prof. Melnick has been a partner in leading this university for many years. His agreement to serve as president gives me confidence that our university will continue to fulfill its values and make significant academic and human achievements. Prof. Melnick is an integral part of this university, and as provost has led it through considerable changes over the past few years. During one of the more difficult periods we have experienced, the COVID pandemic, we were forced to shift from being an institution that emphasizes community life on campus to one that focuses on distance learning.
Prof. Melnick demonstrated impressive leadership as he led the transition of all curricula and services to be delivered online. For me, our university has been my life’s mission and achievement. I conclude my role as president with a great sense of confidence in the future of the institution and in Prof. Melnick’s leadership. On behalf of the entire Reichman University family and as Chairman of the Board, I wish Prof. Melnick success and promise to support him in whatever he needs to continue to realize the unique story of this place.”
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