For the first time in its centuries-long history, Charles University will be led by a woman. Friday's election, which saw voting by CU’s Academic Senate, was won by the incumbent vice-rector for education, Milena Králíčková, who finished comfortably ahead of the only other candidate, Michal Stehlík, the former dean of the Faculty of Arts.
“Let me first of all congratulate Professor Stehlík for a fair and honourable campaign. I firmly believe that we will all work together for the benefit of Charles University," Professor Králíčková stated after the result was announced. In the first round of the election, she won 55 to Stehlík’s 14. The candidate for rector of Charles University will still have to be confirmed by the Czech head of state. Králíčková should take up the mandate in the spring of 2022 and lead the school until 2026.
“One hundred and twenty years ago, women began studying in universities in Bohemia. It's now the case that women outnumber men in some here. I have the utmost respect for your trust and am confident that I will not let it down. Thank you to all the colleagues who helped me. Thank you for your support and cooperation. Finally, I want to thank my family, my husband and daughters, without whom I would not be standing here today,” the new rector said.
Candidates Michal Stehlík and Milena Králíčková meet with the outgoing rector, Tomáš Zima. She is due to take up the post in the spring.
Professor Stehlík also offered his congratulations and support. “I believe it is a choice for the 21st century, even in the knowledge that it will be a difficult term. I believe that this is not just about the election, but that we will all work together to ensure that the electoral agenda is fulfilled,” he continued.
Leading 17 faculties
During the campaign, Professor Králíčková was nominated by six of a total of 17 CU faculties, including her “home faculty”, the Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň, where she heads the Dept. of Histology and Embryology. She and Professor Michal Stehlik both received support from the Faculty of Education, while Stehlík also received backing from his “home faculty”, the Faculty of Arts.
