The year 2001 marked the beginning of the university’s history. The vision of an institution combining a solid economic foundation with practical vocational training became the cornerstone of its further development.
By decision of the Minister of National Education and Sport dated 8 May 2001 (DSW-3-0145-410/R0/2001) the Warsaw School of Finance and Management was entered into the register of non-state vocational higher education institutions under number 64. Thus, it officially commenced operations as a higher education institution.
The university was granted the right to offer higher vocational studies in the specialisations of “corporate financial management” and “capital and money markets”. The educational profile was clearly defined from the outset – it focused on finance, management and the functioning of the capital market, responding to the needs of the dynamically developing economy of the early 21st century.
The post of first rector was taken up by Prof. Maria Sierpińska – a distinguished economist, a specialist in corporate finance and management accounting, and the author of numerous academic publications and textbooks. Her achievements include research in the fields of financial analysis, controlling and financial management, as well as many years of teaching and organisational work within the academic community. It was under her leadership that the university’s first organisational structures were established, the academic staff was recruited, and standards of educational quality were shaped. Prof. Maria Sierpińska, PhD, remains associated with the university to this day, serving as Honorary Rector.
The year 2001 marked the birth of an institution whose subsequent decisions and stages of development gradually led to the formation of today’s VIZJA University.