Unveiling the bust of the first Rector of the University of Banja Luka

Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Radoslav Gajanin, PhD, Minister of Scientific Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Siniša Karan, PhD, and a family member of the first rector, Stevo Malić, unveiled the bust to the first Rector of the University of Banja Luka, Prof. Dragomir Malić, PhD, on 5 November 2025.

The bust, made by an academic sculptor, M.Sc. Bojan Mikulić, was erected in front of the building of the Rectorate and the Academy of Arts of the University of Banja Luka, as a lasting reminder to the life and achievements of a man who set the foundations of the most important scientific and educational institution in the Republic of Srpska.

Rector Gajanin said that unveiling the bust was an expression of an honest respect for the achievements and legacy that Prof. Dragomir Malić, PhD, had left behind.

“Professor Malić was one of those who believed that Banja Luka deserves a university that will be a place of science, truth, and creation. With his knowledge, persistence, and dignity, he set the foundations of the institution that is now the most important scientific and educational institution in the Republic of Srpska. Professor Malić was not merely a Rector – he was a teacher in the deepest sense of the word, a man who perceived knowledge as a responsibility, and the University as a community of people who serve the truth and progress. His word and his example remain a lasting value of our academic life,” said Rector Gajanin.

He added that “this bust will be a reminder to all who pass through the campus that every beginning is difficult, but with dedication and faith in knowledge, it is possible to make a foundation for generations to last.”

The Minister for Scientific Technological Development and Higher Education of the Republic of Srpska, Prof. Siniša Karan, PhD, said that the University of Banja Luka is the strength and axis of the overall development of the Republic of Srpska.

“Today, after 50 years, coming from modest conditions, we talk about the University that became a great strength and the initiator of the overall development of the Republic of Srpska. The university is not only a place of education, but with its capacities, it gives strength to the young people to meet all the challenges of today. The idea of Prof. Malić is a guarantee and a formula of success for the Republic of Srpska. We have an obligation to improve the system of education for the young generations who will take over the running of our society,” emphasized Minister Karan.

A family member of the first Rector, Stevo Malić, expressed gratitude to the University for keeping the memory of his grandfather.
“Standing in front of you, as a descendant of Rector Dragomir Malić, I feel a great honor, but also a deep emotion. This moment is not only personal for me but is also symbolic for all of us who respect and appreciate the life and achievements of Dragomir Malić, my grandfather’s brother. The bust that will decorate this space will be a lasting reminder of his dedication, efforts, and all the values he cherished and passed on to all of us,” said Malić.

He added that, “throughout his life, Dragomir Malić was dedicated to education, the University, and students who had the honor to learn from him.” 

”His energy, persistence, and love for knowledge left an everlasting mark on the hearts of all who knew him. He was not only building an institution – he was building people, developing young minds, and was a true example of dedication and professionalism,” said Malić.

The formal unveiling of the bust to the first Rector was organized for the occasion of 50 years of the University of Banja Luka. 

Photo: D. Desnica