Knowledge of history helps me find solutions
Sotiris Foutsis, General Manager of the University of New York in Prague
Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
For readers who don’t know you yet, how would you describe where you come from, both personally and professionally?
I am Greek by origin, happily married, and the father of three children, so life is never dull and free time is a relative concept. Family is extremely important to me and provides balance, perspective, and a sense of proportion, especially alongside professional responsibilities.
Sports have always played a significant role in my life. Basketball, in particular, taught me early on about teamwork, discipline, and perseverance. I played competitively when I was younger, mostly as a forward, and later even managed a basketball club. Today, sport remains a passion rather than a profession. I am a devoted Olympiakos supporter and follow all of the club’s teams very closely. It is one of the ways I stay connected to my roots.
Professionally, my background is in sales and finance, and over the years I have gained experience in virtually all business functions, which aligns well with the role of General Manager. I studied in the United States and also served in the Greek army. Each of these experiences shaped how I think about responsibility, leadership, and commitment.
Sotiris Foutsis, General Manager of the University of New York in Prague
Do you still remember your first impression of the Czech Republic when you arrived 20 years ago?
It was a very different time when I arrived. Watching the Czech Republic develop over the past two decades has been remarkable.
On a lighter note, one of my first lessons was learning to appreciate Czech beer properly.
Overall, the learning curve was steep as we adjusted to a new culture and rhythm of life. Today, after twenty years, Prague feels entirely like home.
What does your role as General Manager of a private university mean?
In simple terms, my role is to ensure that all the moving parts of the university work together in a way that truly supports our students. UNYP today is a community of around 1,250 students with a diverse academic offering, and I work closely with the rector and the academic leadership to ensure that academic quality and operational effectiveness go hand in hand.
We are growing, and growth is exciting, but it also adds complexity. I am hands-on in strategy and operations, but I also place great trust in my team. Having the right people in the right roles is essential. When that happens, the system works, and students feel the difference.
At the end of the day, my broader goals are not personal ambitions. They are reflected in UNYP’s mission and vision, and in how consistently we live up to them.
UNYP stands for the University of New York in Prague – so why New York, and why Prague?
The “New York” reflects our academic partnership with the State University of New York, a relationship that has been in place for more than 35 years. It represents academic standards, openness, and a global outlook that are central to American higher education.
Prague, on the other hand, needs very little explanation. It sits at the heart of Europe, with a deep intellectual and educational tradition. UNYP was a first mover in the Czech Republic’s private higher education space, particularly in offering fully accredited American degrees. Bringing New York and Prague together was not a branding decision; it was a natural fit.
Why should students choose to study at UNYP? What sets it apart?
I believe the answer is quite simple – as it should be. At UNYP, we take a holistic approach to education. Our role is not just to educate students academically, but to equip them for successful professional lives that lead to personal success and happiness.
We are deeply student-centric in how we operate. That means listening, adapting, and constantly asking how we can improve the overall student journey. Combined with our American degree offerings and the quality of our academic environment, this creates what I would describe as the unique UNYP experience, something that stays with students long after graduation.
Sotiris Foutsis, General Manager of the University of New York in Prague
You manage multiple teams. How do you prioritize tasks and projects?
Universities rely on structure, procedures, and clear rules – much like any other organization – but education carries a special responsibility. Decisions are rarely abstract; they affect real people at very formative stages of their lives.
Our priorities are therefore strongly influenced by student needs. At the same time, universities play an essential role in preparing graduates for the job market (or what they choose to do after graduation) and for life beyond it. Balancing these responsibilities requires discipline, consistency, and a strong sense of purpose across teams.
With UNYP growing, as you mentioned, have you expanded to other countries as well?
We recently opened a representative office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to better serve students and alumni in Central Asia. Being present locally helps us understand expectations and provide more meaningful support.
In time, this office may also serve as a base for further development in the region.
Besides expanding geographically, do you have plans to extend your activities to other fields?
Yes, and often out of necessity rather than ambition. A good example is student housing. In Prague, availability and affordability are major challenges, especially for international students, so expanding into this area to support our student-centric mission became essential.
At the same time, we continue investing in our academic and operational capabilities. Technology is evolving rapidly, and educational needs are changing accordingly. Universities must evolve as well, not by chasing trends, but by responding thoughtfully to real societal needs.
What other aspirations do you hold for UNYP?
My wish for UNYP is a continued, even stronger focus on students’ needs and expectations. This aligns directly with our vision of becoming the most preferred private university in Central Europe by 2030.
We believe strongly in helping students become not only successful professionals but also fulfilled individuals. When those two aspects are in balance, everyone benefits. Our goal is to continue building the UNYP story, patiently and responsibly, for decades to come.
Is there a moment you could describe as the best adventure you have had with UNYP so far?
I don’t think I can point to a single adventure. Instead, there have been thousands. Each one begins when a student walks through our doors for the first time.
Watching students grow, struggle, succeed, and eventually graduate is deeply meaningful to me. Graduation is always an emotional moment, not because the journey ends, but because it continues in a new form as our students become alumni. Every journey is different, and I take a genuine personal interest in each of them.
Your work seems deeply meaningful to you – do you still have time for your own hobbies?
Between three children, family life, and following Olympiakos, there isn’t much free time – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, five years from now, do you see yourself leading an even stronger UNYP?
Yes, I hope to continue doing what I do now, possibly splitting my time between Prague and another country. For UNYP, the focus will remain on steady evolution, staying true to our mission while adapting thoughtfully to the future.