Kyiv Polytechnic representative returns from U.S. with fresh ideas, renewed energy
Dr. Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, had quite a rewarding and enlightening experience as part of the Open World – Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) program “Reforming Higher Education in a Time of War,” held May 7–17, 2025, in Oregon, U.S.A. It is with great enthusiasm that he has returned home with new ideas and renewed energy to advance Kyiv Polytechnic’s mission.
Representing Kyiv Polytechnic, Dr. Shysholin joined a delegation of Ukrainian higher education leaders to explore how U.S. institutions – particularly Oregon State University (OSU) – are building strategic resilience, advancing innovation, and supporting academic communities in times of crisis.
Highlights of the program included:
- Discussion with OSU President Dr. Jayathi Murthy on “Higher Education Resiliency: Past, Present & Future”;
- Engaging session on strategic planning with OSU leadership, including Interim Executive VP Belinda Batten;
- In-depth study of OSU’s Ecampus, one of the top-ranked U.S. online learning platforms, offering flexible microcredentials, open educational resources, and student-centered services;
- Powerful insights from The Holcomb Center for Military & Veteran Resources, including a demonstration of the nationally recognized Green Zone Training for supporting veteran students;
- A public presentation on the Ukrainian prospects for rebuilding higher education, delivered at the Academy for Lifelong Learning in Corvallis;
- Meetings with U.S. congressional representatives, Oregon state legislators, and local government officials.
As Ukraine’s leading technical university, Kyiv Polytechnic remains committed to adapting and strengthening its education and research missions in the face of the sinister war. Not only did this program provide valuable institutional models and tools, but it also reinforced the importance of global solidarity and long-term partnerships.
Sincere thanks are due to Oregon State University, the Corvallis Sister Cities Association – Uzhhorod Council, and program coordinators Dr. Lynne Hindman and Pete Bober for their leadership, hospitality, and meaningful engagement.
At this most challenging time, Ukraine’s universities continue to serve as engines of recovery, hubs of innovation, and beacons of democratic transformation. Through resilience and global collaboration, their mission grows ever stronger.
