Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krasimir Nedyalkov has been the president of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” since 2019. He has been connected with the development of the university since the very first day of its establishment in 1991.
Over the years, he has successively held the positions of deputy director, assistant rector, vice president, and president of the university. His academic interests are focused on European integration, institutional development, and international cooperation in education.
He also has extensive practical experience as an expert in various international projects, as well as in the development and implementation of student internship programmes within the institutions of the European Union.

- Varna Free University ”Chernorizets Hrabar” is celebrating its 35th anniversary. What has been the most important factor in developing the university?

“The university’s greatest achievement is its people. Over the past 35 years, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” has built a community of nearly 50,000 alumni around the world. That is the true story of our university.

For me, it is also a personal story, because I was part of the very first graduating class. I grew up together with the university. I know this journey as a student, a lecturer, and today as president. I remember the energy and dedication of the pioneers - the people who believed that Bulgaria could have a free, modern university open to the world.

Our anniversary celebration is dedicated precisely to this community. On May 23rd, we expect more than 400 alumni at our largest-ever alumni reunion. We already know that graduates will be arriving from all across Bulgaria, as well as from the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey specifically for the event. This is the strongest proof that the connection with the university remains alive.

What is especially moving is that the celebration itself will be created by the community. On stage we will see Varna Free Band - the Music Club of the Student Council - where students, lecturers, staff members, and even I myself perform and sing. We will share the stage with Teodosii Spasov, who is a Doctor Honoris Causa of our university, with the bagpipe orchestra of Dragni Dragnev, and with singer Yanitsa Kaneva. We will also see the Academic Dance Theatre of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. This is the university as I feel it - a community that creates knowledge while preserving human connection.”


- How have students changed, and what do young people expect from a university today?

“The first students at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” belonged to the generation of change. They were searching for freedom, new horizons, and an opportunity to build their professional path in a different era. Today’s young people are far more connected to the world, better informed, and much more demanding of the environment in which they study.

The attitude toward knowledge has also changed. In the past, education was viewed primarily as a source of security and stability. Today, knowledge means the ability to adapt, think critically, and create solutions. Young people choose a university based on whether they see a future there - an environment and a real opportunity for development. They seek education with practical value, an international outlook, and opportunities for successful professional realization.

This places a great responsibility on our university - to work in a way that continuously increases the value of our graduates’ diplomas. The next major challenge is preparing young people for professions that are only beginning to emerge. That is precisely why we invest in modern educational models, a digital learning environment, international partnerships, and a strong connection between education, practice, and business.”


- Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” often speaks about freedom, responsibility, spirituality, and historical memory. How do these values come together in a modern university?

- “Freedom lies at the very core of the university’s philosophy. But freedom always goes hand in hand with responsibility - responsibility toward knowledge, society, and one’s own personal development. For us, the university is a space for shaping individuals. That is why the themes of spirituality, culture, and historical memory are of enormous importance. Without memory, society loses its direction. Without spirituality, knowledge loses its moral meaning. We strive to preserve the connection between education, values, and social responsibility. We also actively support the arts because we believe that culture and creative thinking cultivate sensitivity and shape the way people relate to the world.

The international dimension is also part of the university’s identity. Today, students from 34 countries across four continents study at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”. We continue to expand our international partnerships and academic networks that connect us with Europe and the wider world. The inclusion of the university in the QS World University Rankings is recognition of this long-standing journey. Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is among the key Bulgarian higher education institutions in terms of digital reputation and has received more than 25 ‘Varna Awards’ over the years for achievements in higher education and science. But behind every recognition stand a clear sense of direction, years of dedicated work, and many committed people.”


– The monument to the Holy Seven Saints has become one of the most significant initiatives marking the university’s 35th anniversary. Why is this cause so important to you?

The idea of a monument to the Holy Seven Saints in Varna has a long history. Proposals for its construction were discussed as early as the end of the last century. Today, this cause once again unites people and institutions around values that are unquestionable for Bulgarian society.

Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” accepted the proposal of the “Bulgarian Patriots” Association and joined the initiative committee for the construction of the monument, which brings together more than 30 organizations, representatives of local authorities, libraries, schools, museums, public figures, and people from the cultural sphere. The project received the blessing of His Eminence the Metropolitan of Varna and Veliki Preslav, John.

The monument will include seven bronze figures of the holy equals-to-the-apostles enlighteners Cyril and Methodius and their disciples - St. Clement, St. Naum, St. Gorazd, St. Sava, and St. Angelarius. The university will provide nearly 70% of the funding required for the realization of the project. I strongly believe that the Holy Seven Saints are a spiritual guide for the power of knowledge, education, and Bulgarian culture. This monument will remain as a message to future generations that knowledge and spirituality build nations and states.

A very strong sign is also the fact that the monument’s designs were donated by alumni graduates of the university. This is the clearest proof that the university continues to live through the actions of its people.


- How does an educational institution earn trust over the course of 35 years?

-Trust is earned through work, consistency, dignity, and respect. It is built from generation to generation. Today, at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”, several generations from the same families are studying together, and our students begin internships and professional careers in companies founded by university alumni. This is the most natural sign of continuity, belonging, and a living connection with the alma mater.

Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is also marking its 35th anniversary with an excellent institutional accreditation score of 9.01. Over these 35 years, the university has built a reputation associated with quality, international presence, and successful professional realization of its students.


- What is the role of private higher education in Bulgaria today?

- Private higher education plays an important role in the development of modern Bulgarian education. It brings initiative and the ability to adapt more quickly to changes in society, in professions, and in the expectations of young people and business.

Over the years, private universities have shown that they can be a driving force for innovation, international cooperation, and new educational models. They have created stronger competition and expanded the opportunities available to students. For us, it is important to ensure equality and clear quality criteria, because Bulgarian higher education should develop as a single national system in which universities compete through ideas, quality, and results. The future belongs to those who can combine academic tradition with practical orientation, international connectivity, and closeness to the real needs of society and business.


- What is the next major goal of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”?

- The goal is to continue developing Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” as a strong center for applied sciences, international education, and socially significant research. The knowledge we create should have real practical value - for students, for business, for institutions, and for society.

After another 35 years, I want Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” to be a strong international university that has preserved its spirit - free and connected to the future.


- What is your personal message to the people who are part of the university’s history?

- Let us preserve the connection between us and our respect for knowledge. For me, Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” is a cause that we carry across generations.

I am grateful to all students, lecturers, staff, graduates, and friends of the university who turned a bold idea into an institution with history and authority. The most important thing now is to continue this story with dignity.



See also:

 The chairperson of the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency: “Varna Free University fosters a culture of quality in higher education.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eleonora Tankova on Bulgarian National Television (BNT): Varna’s youngest university celebrates 35 years

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rositsa Petkova-Slipec for Bulgarian National Radio (BNR)

What our alumni shared

More about the monument to the Holy Seven Saints