Speakers

Rector of the WSB University since 2008. In addition to this function, she also holds the position of Vice President of the Council of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice (since 2014) and Chairwoman of the Commission for Competitiveness, Innovation and Cooperation between Science and Business (since 2015). She is also a member of the Lewiatan Confederation, which represents the interests of Polish private entrepreneurs and a member of the Social-Economic Council of the Silesia Metropolis. In recognition of her contribution and achievements in the field of education, she has been honored with several awards, which include: the Medal of the Commission of National Education awarded by the Ministry of National Education (2004), the Bronze Cross of Merit (2007), Honorary Medal awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic (2007), the Silver Medal of Merits for the Police (2013), the Dąbrowa Górnicza Citizen of the Year (2014), and the Manager of the Region in the category of Education (2014). She is also a double laureate of the 2nd degree individual award granted by the Minister of Science and Higher Education for outstanding organizational achievements (academic year 2014/2015 and 2015/2016). She is a holder of PhD degree in sociology, specializing in education sociology, youth sociology and EU integration.

She is the entrepreneurship ambassador successfully developing education strategy for business. For several years, professor Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz has been actively contributing, inter alia, to the development of cooperation between science and business sectors. She is also involved in the development of international cooperation by delivery of mobility, educational, research and double diploma programmes. As the member of AUDEM Confederation (Alliance of Universities for Democracy), WSB University undertakes various actions to stimulate the participation of universities in the process of building democratic societies and market economies in the world.  Professor Zdzisława Dacko-Pikiewicz is committed to the social, cultural and economic development of the region through the promotion of science, knowledge, skills and competencies, increasing opportunities for formal and informal learning during lifetime. She is the Ambassador of Women Entrepreneurship of the Polish Network of Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors and the Ambassador of Polish Congresses and effectively implements the education strategy for business needs. She is also a member of European Woman Rectors Association.

As the Rector, she has the overall responsibility of the WSB University. It was established in 1995 as one of the first non-public higher education institutions in Poland and since that year it has been continuously growing and acquiring reputability. The University is an establishment with distinguished reputation, as it is a leader of Multirank – an international independent ranking of universities and colleges commissioned by the European Union. The WSB University ranks first among business higher education institutions (HEIs) in Poland and it occupies the 7th position among 302 business HEIs in the European Union. According to the Polish national ranking PERSPEKTYWY of 2017, it was ranked on the 5th position among all Polish non-public HEIs and it occupies the same position as the most international university in Poland in 2017.

In recognition of its dynamic growth, The WSB University was awarded the title of FORBES Diamond 2012, which proves the dynamic growth of value within the previous three years, its strong and stable position and credibility for business partners. The reputation of the University and the quality of education are reflected in the high positions that it occupies in international and national rankings and accreditations of the Polish Accreditation Commission.