TARTUH celebrated Rector Ulla Preeden, winner of the “Educational Leader of the Year” title

On 13 October, Tartu Applied Health Sciences University warmly welcomed and celebrated Rector Ulla Preeden, who was awarded the title of Educational Leader of the Year at the Teacher of the Year Gala organized by the Ministry of Education and Research. Preeden was abroad on official business when the award was originally presented.

The national education awards were handed out for the 13th time on 4 October at the Pärnu Concert Hall. The title of Educational Leader of the Year was bestowed upon Rector Ulla Preeden of Tartu Health Care College, who was at the time on a study visit to Canada together with rectors of applied higher education institutions and representatives from the Ministry of Education and Research and HARNO. The purpose of the visit was to enhance the international visibility and competitiveness of Estonian higher education.

On 13 October, her first working day after returning from the trip, staff and students of Tartu Health Care College surprised the Rector with a heartfelt celebration. Deputy Secretary General Henry Kattago from the Ministry of Education and Research personally presented the award, after which everyone shared congratulations and enjoyed cake together.

The National Education Award Committee recognized Ulla Preeden as a school leader with a clear vision, who consistently emphasizes the importance of applied higher education and the role of educational quality in training health care professionals. She values practice-based learning, and Tartu Health Care College offers excellent physical learning environments and innovative teaching tools, ranging from physiotherapy to radiography. As a strong advocate for applied research, her leadership has helped position the college as a trusted research partner in exploratory studies. The active involvement of students and lecturers has also fostered a vibrant culture of science communication at the college.

She is the driving force behind the institution’s long-term strategy and works tirelessly to ensure that the college adapts to changing circumstances, remaining competitive and respected among learners. Ulla Preeden is a respected and beloved leader, both within the college and among its partners — a caring and compassionate person with a true leader’s heart: a heart in the right place.

Traditionally, award winners received not only a monetary prize but also a small “Joseph” statue, depicting a figure holding a globe that symbolizes the knowledge of the entire world.

Coverage of the event is available on Facebook.