Berk Can Dereci
Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın visited Vezirköprü Vocational School (MYO), Havza Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, Havza Vocational School (MYO), and Ladik Vocational School (MYO) as part of her visits to various university units. During these visits, Rector Aydın conducted extensive evaluations spanning educational infrastructure, student and faculty needs, and educational and health services development.
Accompanying Rector Aydın on her visits were Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Alper Kesten and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erhan Burak Pancar and academic and administrative staff.
Rector Aydın’s first stop was Vezirköprü Vocational School, where she met with school administrators and faculty members. Vezirköprü MYO is well-regarded for its forestry, agriculture, livestock, accounting, and business management programs. She assessed the school’s physical infrastructure and educational materials while also reviewing innovative projects being carried out at the school. Rector Aydın toured workshops and laboratories, engaging with students to listen to their requests.
Discussions also focused on promoting the region’s natural and historical wealth and its integration into the tourism sector. “Vezirköprü offers a unique environment, not only for academic learning but also for practical training in the field. As a university, we will work to make these assets more visible,” said Rector Aydın.
The evaluation also included discussions on the use of technological tools in education, classroom facilities, and hands-on training opportunities for students. Highlighting the critical role of vocational schools in contributing directly to the labor market, Aydın emphasized the importance of Vezirköprü MYO’s programs in this regard.
Vezirköprü District Governor Özgür Kaya, Vezirköprü Mayor Murat Gül, Samsun Metropolitan Municipality Council Member Sait Sarıer, and Youth and Sports Vezirköprü District Director Mehmet Uyar also attended the visit.
Next, Rector Aydın visited the Havza Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, receiving detailed information on the health services provided there.
She inspected the modern medical equipment and various physical therapy and rehabilitation procedures offered at the center. Highlighting the importance of practical training for students, Aydın stressed the need to modernize the facilities further to enhance the quality and scope of healthcare services.
During her visit, Rector Aydın also reviewed the operations of the restaurant managed by Havza Vocational School and the hotel managed by the Health, Culture, and Sports Department. She emphasized the importance of elevating these facilities to meet the needs of thermal and health tourism in the region and across the country.
Describing the center’s contributions to regional development, Aydın said, “Such facilities strengthen the university’s role in fostering regional growth and demonstrate OMU’s strong capabilities in healthcare and education.”
The center, which includes 19 rooms with 42 beds and thermal pools for guests and patients, provides significant support for both rehabilitation and wellness. Havza Mayor Murat İkiz was also present during the visit.
Rector Aydın then visited Havza Vocational School, where she held a meeting with the school administration. Renowned for its healthcare services, tourism, and business programs, Havza MYO was the subject of discussions on integrating advanced technology and innovative teaching methods into its educational processes.
To attract more students at both the regional and national levels, Rector Aydın recommended bolstering the school’s infrastructure and further improving the quality of education.
Lastly, Rector Aydın visited Ladik Vocational School, which offers programs in Plant and Animal Production, Handicrafts, and Textile, Clothing, Shoes, and Leather. She highlighted the importance of sustainable projects, such as hemp weaving, in blending traditional production techniques with modern applications.
Rector Aydın emphasized that Ladik MYO’s innovative educational approach would contribute significantly to the region’s development.
Reflecting on her visits, Rector Aydın stated that OMU plays a vital role in education, research, and community services. Stressing the need for all units to work cohesively to amplify the university’s local and national impact, she underlined the importance of strengthening vocational schools and practical training programs in healthcare and education.
“OMU is committed to not only achieving academic excellence but also prioritizing regional development. Vezirköprü MYO, Havza Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center, Havza MYO, and Ladik MYO play key roles in this mission. We will continue collaborating with local governments and other stakeholders to further enhance the educational and healthcare services offered by our university,” Aydın said.
Rector Aydın affirmed OMU’s dedication to advancing its units sustainably and robustly while strengthening its ties with local communities. She concluded by emphasizing the university’s commitment to expanding its quality healthcare and educational services, benefiting students, local residents, and society as a whole.
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