Dejana Pudar, a student at the Kotor Maritime Faculty, has been named the best student for the 2025/26 academic year by the University of Montenegro (UCG). This recognition is a testament to her outstanding academic performance, evidenced by an impressive average of 10. The award was presented by Vladimir Božović, the Rector of UCG, during a ceremony held at the university.
Academic Excellence and Involvement
Hailing from Bijela, Pudar is currently enrolled in the Nautical and Maritime Transport program. She is not only committed to her studies but also actively participates in the Student Parliament. Throughout her academic journey, she has engaged in numerous projects, seminars, and professional gatherings.
Among her notable contributions, Pudar highlighted her participation in the third, fourth, and fifth Kotor International Maritime Conference (KIMC). Additionally, she is a co-author of a paper presented at the international TransNav Conference. Her passion for maritime studies is evident, as she expresses a strong desire to continue her education and professional development in this field.
Personal Insights and Challenges
Pudar describes herself as persistent and dedicated, emphasizing her willingness to ask questions to fully grasp her coursework. She chose to pursue maritime studies after completing secondary maritime education and growing up in an environment where this profession is prevalent. She expressed her admiration for the high quality of education at the Kotor Maritime Faculty, stating, “I wanted to enhance and deepen my knowledge, which is recognized as exceptional.”
One of the most emotional moments of her academic career occurred during the third KIMC conference. “In my first semester, I was completely taken by surprise when the dean announced my name. It was a significant boost and a strong motivation for my further progress,” she recalled.
Pudar faces the challenge of balancing her academic responsibilities with extracurricular commitments. She manages this through careful planning, prioritization, and effective time organization, allowing her to maintain her academic performance and the quality of her studies.
Expressing gratitude, she appreciates the collaborative spirit of her professors and the administration at the Kotor Maritime Faculty. “The faculty members are exceptionally cooperative and open to dialogue. I find great inspiration in Jelena Nikčević, who presents maritime law in a unique and motivating manner. Additionally, the support and recommendations from Dean Tatijana Dlabac have opened extraordinary opportunities for exchanges and academic programs that have significantly shaped my journey,” Pudar noted.
Aspiring to Inspire
Pudar considers her most significant achievements to be the two first prizes she received at the KIMC conferences, as well as her co-authorship of the paper for the TransNav Conference. She extends her appreciation to the professors within the nautical subject group for their support and guidance.
For future students, her advice is clear: “Follow your interests and affinities, be curious, and do not hesitate to ask questions and seek support. Do not accept societal limitations or gender stereotypes—build your path equally and seize all the opportunities that your studies offer.”
