World Teachers’ Day, 5 October, is once again being marked at DOBA University of Applied Sciences and DOBA Higher Vocational College by announcing the best teachers, lecturers and online mentors of the past academic year. This year marks the 17th consecutive year that we are continuing this special tradition and recognising those whose dedication, expertise and support make an important contribution to our students’ learning experience.
Through their dedicated, high-quality teaching, innovative learning approaches and continuous support, our higher education lecturers and online mentors play a vital role in creating a positive and successful study experience. Once again this year, students selected those who particularly inspired and motivated them and who supported them throughout their studies during the 2025/2026 academic year.
Below, we present the individuals whose work and approach to students have earned them special recognition – recognition from the students of DOBA UAS. Their selection is also a recognition of high-quality teaching, expertise and support that make an important contribution to students’ academic success and overall study experience.
Students in the bachelor programmes selected Klemen Žibret, MSc, as the Best Lecturer of the 2025/2026 academic year. The recognition acknowledges his dedicated teaching and his contribution to creating a high-quality and encouraging study experience for students.
Statement by the award recipient:
“Being named Best Lecturer of the 2025/2026 academic year by students of the bachelor programmes at DOBA UAS is a great honour and a valuable recognition for me. I am especially pleased that it comes directly from the students, as their experience is at the heart of my teaching. I enjoy encouraging students’ creativity, curiosity and courage to explore new paths. My greatest satisfaction comes from being able to contribute to their professional and personal development. I see this recognition as confirmation of my work so far and as a commitment to continue creating a high-quality, encouraging and collaborative study environment in the future.”
According to students, the title of Best Lecturer in the master programmes was awarded to Dr Živa Veingerl Čič. Through her expertise and dedication, she makes an important contribution to developing students’ knowledge, competences and critical thinking, while encouraging their continued professional and personal development.
Statement by the award recipient:
“I was genuinely delighted to receive the Best Lecturer in Master Programmes award, and it means a great deal to me, as I see it as confirmation that students recognise the dedication, expertise and energy I bring to our work together. I believe that high-quality teaching is about more than simply transferring knowledge: it is about creating space for curiosity, critical thinking, connecting theory with practice and having the courage to explore new ideas. My teaching is guided by the belief that knowledge is most valuable when we can connect it with experience, apply it in practice and use it to create change. Thank you for your trust and for this valuable encouragement for my future work.”
Doctoral students selected Ksenija Dumičić, PhD as the Best Lecturer of the 2025/2026 academic year. The recognition reflects the importance of high-quality, professional and inspiring teaching at the highest level of study, where research, critical thinking and the development of new knowledge are at the forefront.
Statement by the award recipient:
“I am deeply honored and sincerely touched to have been selected by the doctoral students as the Best Lecturer of the academic year 2025/2026. This recognition means a great deal to me because it comes directly from the students, whose trust and appreciation I value most.
It has been a true privilege to teach at the distinguished DOBA UAS; throughout these years, I have had the opportunity not only to share my knowledge and educational experience, but also to learn continuously from the exceptional motivation, curiosity, and dedication of DOBA’s students and colleagues. They inspire me to become an even better educator.
Teaching and learning in the era of artificial intelligence is both exciting and challenging. I firmly believe that, by learning together and embracing innovation responsibly, we can make a meaningful contribution to science, education, and society.”
An important part of the high-quality online study experience at DOBA University of Applied Sciences is also provided by our online mentors, who accompany, guide and encourage students throughout the study process. Through their responsiveness, clear communication and support, they create a sense of connection and help students successfully achieve their study goals.
Students selected Ajša Pučnik as the Best Online Mentor in Slovenia for the 2025/2026 academic year. This recognition from students confirms the important role of online mentoring in creating a high-quality, supportive and connected online study experience.
Statement by the award recipient:
“Every recognition means something, but being named Best Online Mentor at DOBA UAS is particularly special to me. It tells me that students recognised my genuine desire to support and encourage them throughout their courses, and that they felt how happy I am to see them succeed. I am surprised, delighted and honoured. I truly enjoy working as an online mentor and admire the dedication, effort and perseverance that students invest in their studies and their future alongside all the responsibilities of adult life. It gives me particular satisfaction to be able to support them on this journey to the best of my ability. Thank you all for this wonderful recognition, which gives me both motivation and a sense of responsibility for our future work together.”
For the second year in a row, Croatian students selected Antonia Popić as the Best Online Mentor for the 2025/2026 academic year. Being selected again is a special recognition of her work and of the trust she has built among students through her mentoring approach.
Statement by the award recipient:
“One of the achievements I am proud to highlight is receiving the Best Mentor award for the 2024/2025 academic year. That is why the news that I had received the title again this year may have made me even happier than last year. Reaching the top is an important achievement, but staying there requires even greater responsibility and dedication. Maintaining quality in my work requires effort and discipline. Success is proof that we are capable, but also a reminder that there is always room for further growth. In my work, I strive to encourage students in their personal and professional development and help them recognise their strengths. I am grateful that they recognise and feel how much I enjoy working with them, and that together we grow and learn from one another. I would also like to thank DOBA University of Applied Sciences for its trust, continuous support and the opportunity to be part of an educational community that recognises the importance of quality, collaboration and lifelong learning.”
You can read more about the selected Best Lecturer in the higher vocational study programmes, Zvezdana Bercko, here.
We would like to sincerely thank the best higher education lecturers and online mentors of the 2025/2026 academic year for their commitment, expertise and dedication to our students. Through their work, they make a valuable contribution to the quality of the study experience and equip students with the knowledge, competences and support they need for successful personal and professional development.
Congratulations to all the award recipients on this well-deserved recognition!
