Best Teachers and Online Mentors 2024/2025 According to Students

World Teachers’ Day, 5 October, has been celebrated at DOBA University of Applied Sciences (formerly known as DOBA Faculty), and DOBA Higher Vocational College for the sixteenth year in a row with the announcement of the best teachers, lecturers, and online mentors of the past academic year.

Among more than 330 higher education teachers and mentors, who through their dedication and outstanding pedagogical work, as well as by introducing modern teaching methods and approaches, encourage student engagement and thus enhance the quality of study results, students selected those who inspired them the most, motivated them, and stood by their side on their study journey in the past year.

This year’s announcement carries special significance as it coincides with the 35th anniversary of the DOBA Business Group, which has been co-creating quality education for decades with knowledge, innovation, and dedication. Today, DOBA University of Applied Sciences is the leading faculty in the field of innovative online education in Southeastern Europe – a success made possible by you, our exceptional higher education teachers, lecturers, and mentors.

Spoznajte naj učitelje, predavatelje in online mentorje študijskega leta 2024/2025

In the following, we present the selected individuals who, through their dedication, innovative approaches, and commitment to students, have earned special recognition – the recognition of DOBA students. Each of them has left their unique mark, contributed to excellent learning experiences, and become an inspiration for future generations. You can watch the award recipients’ video statements (in Slovenian/Croatian language) by clicking on the images.

Meet the Best Teachers and Online Mentors of the Academic Year 2024/2025

In their feedback, students highlighted that Anja Knez is an exceptional teacher who delivers content in a clear, professional, and at the same time pleasant way. They value the clear structure and practical orientation of her courses, as well as her personal and encouraging approach, through which she motivates and inspires them. Her dedication, expertise, and warmth are reflected in the fact that she not only teaches students but also supports them on their personal and professional paths.

Statement of the Awardee:
“Dear colleagues, thank you very much for the recognition you have given me in the past academic year. I was truly surprised and, of course, happy. I really enjoy my work and collaborating with you, and I am glad that you feel the same. Today, information and knowledge are accessible to everyone and instantly, so the role of lecturers is primarily (I hope) to awaken genuine interest in you and to encourage you to think critically. It is also important to know oneself, one’s strengths and limitations, as only in this way can we perform our work with quality and responsibility. I sincerely hope that this year I have at least partly succeeded in achieving this in our joint work. Thank you once again and warm regards to all.” – Anja Knez.

The Best Master’s Program Teacher in 2024/25 is Dr. Andrej Žižek

In their feedback, students emphasized that Dr. Andrej Žižek is an outstanding teacher who delivers content clearly, understandably, and with great expertise. They particularly value his practical orientation, the relevance of the topics, and his ability to connect theory with real-world challenges, which inspires them and prepares them to successfully face challenges in practice. His work leaves an important mark on the personal and professional growth of master’s students.

Statement of the Awardee:
“I would like to thank the students of DOBA University of Applied Sciences' master’s programs for this recognition and for their trust. I am convinced that DOBA University of Applied Sciences' students are the best students – you are distinguished by your rich life experiences, exceptional motivation, and clear goal orientation. At a time when it may seem that new information technologies will overpower and alienate us, these very experiences, perseverance, and above all critical thinking are particularly valuable. I hope that after completing your studies you will remember the engaging lectures that encouraged your way of working and thinking, and that will help you in solving everyday challenges. I see this recognition as confirmation of the excellence of our past joint work, and at the same time as a challenge for even more creative and responsible work in the future.” – dr. Andrej Žižek

The Best Doctoral Program Teacher in 2024/25 is Full Professor Dr. Tina Vukasović

In their feedback, students emphasized that Dr. Tina Vukasović is an outstanding teacher who, through high-quality webinars, modern approaches, and innovative methods, fosters the development of knowledge and competencies. She delivers content clearly, in a structured, and professional way, which enables students to better understand and successfully apply the acquired knowledge in practice. With her dedication and expertise, she significantly contributes to the personal and professional growth of doctoral students.

Statement of the Awardee:
“The recognition as the BEST teacher of DOBA University of Applied Sciences within the doctoral study program Innovation and Sustainable Business in the Digital Society has greatly honored and pleasantly surprised me. For me, it represents pride, satisfaction, and at the same time responsibility – it is confirmation of quality collaboration with students and encouragement for further professional and dedicated work. At DOBA University of Applied Sciences, we operate in an environment that fosters innovation, excellence, and continuous development. I am glad to contribute to shaping the knowledge, competencies, and personal growth of students who will shape the future. I sincerely thank all students for the trust you have shown – your recognition confirms that we are creating added value in the study process and in each individual’s personal journey. Thank you sincerely!”– dr. Tina Vukasović

Best Online Mentors 2024/2025

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the DOBA Business Group, we proudly reflect on the path we have been creating together through knowledge, innovation, and dedication to students. Our exceptional online mentors play an important role in this journey. With their attentiveness, clear communication, and encouraging approach, they make a significant contribution to the success of students and the quality of online studies. It is precisely thanks to them that DOBA University of Applied Sciences is today the leading faculty in the field of innovative online education in Southeastern Europe.

The Best Online Mentor in Slovenia in 2024/2025, According to Students, is Mag. Zineta Vilman

In their feedback, students especially highlighted Mag. Zineta Vilman, who impressed them with her responsiveness, clear guidance, and genuine sense of support. In their opinion, it is her dedication that gives students the feeling that they are never alone on their study journey.

Statement of the Awardee:
“The recognition by students as the best online mentor at DOBA University of Applied Sciences means a great deal to me – not only as personal encouragement but also as confirmation that the role of a mentor in online studies is truly important. I believe that a good mentor can significantly influence the quality of the study experience. It is especially important that we, as online mentors, are responsive, clear, and able to build and maintain trust. I am glad that I can live out these values precisely at DOBA University of Applied Sciences, where student support and the development of mentoring are truly part of the overall vision.” – mag. Zineta Vilman

The Best Online Mentor in Croatia in 2024/2025, According to Students, is Antonia Popić

In their feedback, students particularly emphasized that Antonia Popić enriches the study process with exceptional support, dedication, and constant presence. They were impressed by her accessibility, professionalism, and warm communication, which creates a sense of security and reliable support. Her responsiveness and willingness to help at every step give students the feeling that they are never alone on their study journey.

Statement of the Awardee:
“The award for the best online mentor of this academic year is one of the most beautiful recognitions in my professional career, but also on a personal level. This award is not only a confirmation of the effort, patience, and dedication invested in each student but also a strong message that interpersonal closeness, mutual trust, and genuine support remain at the heart of a successful educational process, regardless of the challenges of modern education. This award is even more significant because it is based on the feedback, comments, and votes of students. Their positive feedback is confirmation that mentoring engagement leaves a real mark.
This award is not only proof of the effort and dedication invested in each student but also a strong message that mutual trust and genuine support remain at the center of a successful educational process. I see the opportunity of mentoring at DOBA University of Applied Sciences as a privilege, but also as a great responsibility. Being a mentor in the online space requires listening to the needs of each student, empathy, and creating an environment where everyone feels safe, motivated, and inspired to grow further. Through this role, I have learned the importance of encouraging words, understanding, and support in moments of uncertainty, as well as the joy of sharing every small or greater success of the students.
I am grateful to have the opportunity to learn from exceptional professors and fellow mentors. Their expertise, openness, and selfless help, as well as the many friendships built through working together, encourage me to always give my best. I am aware that this award is not only my individual achievement but the result of community, mutual trust, and the tremendous support of everyone involved in the educational process. I am proud to be part of the DOBA University of Applied Sciences' community, which truly recognizes and values effort. I see this recognition as strong motivation to continue my work with even more enthusiasm and with a sincere desire to be a support to students on their academic journey. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to future cooperation and new shared successes! Best regards.” – Antonia Popić

You can read about the lecturer selected as the best in the higher vocational study programmes at DOBA Higher Vocational College at this link (in Slovenian language). 

We sincerely thank the best higher education teachers and online mentors of the academic year 2024/2025 for their dedication and professionalism, which are especially valued by our students. Through their work and expertise, they have enriched students with the knowledge and competencies they need for the successful development of their careers.

Our heartfelt congratulations to all on these well-deserved titles!