The Croatian academic and security community has bid farewell to one of its most recognizable experts, university professor Vlatko Cvrtila, dean and first rector of the University VERN, who passed away today at the age of 61.
Throughout his rich and diverse career, Cvrtila left a deep mark in higher education, as well as in the field of national security and public policies. He was a long-time professor and one of the key figures at VERN, where he served as dean since 2013 and became the first rector in 2021.
Prior to that, he spent a significant part of his career at the Faculty of Political Science in Zagreb, where he was dean and vice-dean and participated in shaping study programs and developing the institution. His activities were not limited to the academic sphere – he actively participated in state institutions as well.
From 2005 to 2008, he was an advisor on defense to the President of the Republic of Croatia, while from 2009 to 2011, he served as an advisor on national security to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia, contributing to the shaping of security and defense policies at the national level.
Through his work, he educated numerous generations of students, and colleagues remember him as an engaged and approachable collaborator. He stood out for his ability to connect theory and practice and to encourage critical and analytical thinking, leaving a strong professional and personal mark in the communities where he worked.
