From the Army to the University: Karel Řehka becomes a new member of the UWB Board of Directors

Security, defense, and research. The former Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces has joined the University of West Bohemia's Board of Directors as its fifteenth member. He was appointed by the Minister of Education. As a new member of the Board, he brings unique expertise to the UWB.

The University of West Bohemia's Board of Directors is now complete. As of July, Karel Řehka has become its fifteenth and final member. He took up the position after stepping down as Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces. "I consider it an honor that the Rector approached me, and I accepted his offer with humility. It came as quite a surprise, but a very pleasant one," said Řehka. He also welcomed the University's recognition of the importance of security and defense issues in today's world.

"The University of West Bohemia was a natural choice for me. I would like to help strengthen its profile in the fields of security and defense, whether through education or research," the general said, describing his plans. In his new role, he hopes to contribute to the University's strategic direction and, indirectly, to the education and development of young people. He believes this is one of the keys to building a better and safer future for the Czech Republic.

The University's leadership nominated Řehka for the position because of his extensive experience in leading the armed forces. "We wanted someone on the University of West Bohemia's Board of Directors who truly understands security systems and has experience managing crises at the highest level. Karel Řehka undoubtedly has that experience," explained UWB Rector Miroslav Lávička. According to the Rector, issues related to security and the resilience of institutions and society as a whole have long been a priority for the University. They are also one of the cross-cutting themes of UWB's new strategic plan.

The Rector expects the newest member of the Board of Directors to bring a strategic perspective on the University's security and its long-term resilience. This includes crisis management, cybersecurity, the protection of soft targets, and society's ability to respond to emerging security threats. According to Lávička, the University of West Bohemia also aims to place a greater emphasis on security-related research. "Karel Řehka's experience can be exceptionally valuable in this area, not only for the University's own operations, but also for its role in the region and in the wider public sphere," the Rector added.

Karel Řehka měl do Správní rady ZČU nastoupit už v únoru, kvůli pracovnímu vytížení v čele Armády ČR musel ale své plány odložit. Po jeho příchodu se Správní rada plzeňské univerzity rozrostla na celkových patnáct členů, a dosáhla tak své zamýšlené kapacity. „Správní radu nyní považujeme za personálně stabilizovanou a zároveň odborně vyváženou,“ shrnul rektor Lávička. Její složení teď podle něj pokrývá plné spektrum oblastí odpovídající působení ZČU - od vzdělávání, výzkumu a inovací přes spolupráci s regionem a průmyslem až po bezpečnost a odolnost společnosti.

Karel Řehka was originally expected to join the University of West Bohemia's Board of Directors in February, but due to his demanding responsibilities as the head of the Czech Armed Forces, he had to postpone his appointment. With his arrival, the University's Board of Directors has expanded to 15 members, reaching its intended full capacity. "We now consider the Board of Directors to be both fully staffed and well balanced in terms of expertise," Rector Miroslav Lávička said. According to him, the Board's composition now reflects the full range of the University's activities, from education, research, and innovation to cooperation with the region and industry, as well as security and societal resilience.

The University of West Bohemia's Board of Directors oversees key strategic and property-related matters in accordance with the Czech Higher Education Act. Its members also include Roman Zarzycký, Mayor of Pilsen; Pavla Janovská, Director of the Regional Branch of the Labor Office; and Tomáš Holub, Bishop of Pilsen. The Chair of the Board is Václav Šimánek, Director of the University Hospital Pilsen. A complete list of the members and the organizational structure of the University of West Bohemia's Board of Directors is available on the University's website.