History of the university

Poltava University of Economics and Trade is well known on the territory of the former Soviet Union as Poltava Cooperative Institute for its graduates, research and significant contribution to the development of higher education. The activity it started in 1961 as a teaching and consultation center (TCC), since 1968 it became a department and soon – in 1970 a branch of Lviv Trade and Economics Institute. Associate Professor Anastasia D. Maslova was appointed the head of the TCC and the Acting Dean of the Department.

In 1974 Poltava Cooperative Institute (PCI) was established. Since that time until the early 90s of the XX century the institute had been preparing highly qualified specialists for all Soviet republics. After Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine the Institute was subordinated to the Central Union of Consumer Societies of Ukraine (Ukoopspilka).

M.M. Dianich – Director of Poltava branch LTEI (1970-1974), the first rector of Poltava Cooperative Institute (1970-1987).

In 1978 Belgorod (Russia) branch of Poltava Cooperative Institute began its functioning, which in 1981 was transformed into Belgorod Cooperative Institute of Central Committee of Consumer Cooperatives of the USSR.

In 1985 -1990 Poltava Cooperative Institute had a branch in Baku.
 V.A. Dorokhin – Rector of Poltava Cooperative Institute (1987-2001), Rector of Poltava University of Consumer Cooperatives in Ukraine (2001-2003).

With the purpose of training in accordance with the achievement of national and world science the institute has identified strategic directions of educational activities for the future. In April 1996, Academic Council approved a comprehensive program of the development of Poltava Cooperative Institute for 1996-2000. It was based on Concept of Reforming Higher Education in Transition to a Market Economy, the Concept of Liberal Education in Higher Education and the Concept of Activities of Poltava Cooperative Institute. The main objective of the institute has been identified as training of highly qualified professionals, capable of operating in accordance with international standards. With this aim, in 1996 the Institute introduced a training program for “Bachelors” in the following fields: Economics and Entrepreneurship, Management, Trade, Food Technology and Engineering.

In the early 90s institute started postgraduate education. For this purpose, Interdisciplinary Institute for advanced training of specialists of Consumer Cooperatives (IITR) was opened in Poltava Cooperative Institute.

During 90s the Institute created conditions for making specialist training to meet the needs of a market economy. Because of this it became possible to start majors «Finances and Crediting” (1993) , ” Business Management ” ( 1994), “International Economics ” ( 1996), “Marketing” ( 1997). In 1998 the institute started training professionals in “Management of Foreign Economic Activities”, “Commodity Research and expertise in customs “, “Technology of Storage, preservation and processing of meat “.

In 1994-1995 academic years Donetsk Correspondence School of the Institute in Donetsk began operating on the basis of Cooperative College of Economics and Law of Donetsk regional consumer society that trained professionals in “Accounting and Auditing”.

In 1997, following a decision of the State Accreditation Commission of the Ministry of Education of Ukraine from 9 December 1997 the Institute has been accredited by the Accreditation level III. It gave the right to train professionals according to the educational qualification levels of: Specialist – 3 specialties and Master – 5 specialties.

Ministry of Education of Ukraine during 1998 awarded the institute with appropriate licenses and certificates.

The Institute in the late 90s had 7 departments, 24 chairs, Center of Relations with Enterprises, Computer Technology Center, Training and Production Center of Catering.

In 2000, following a decision of the State Accreditation Commission of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine from July 11, 2000 Poltava Cooperative Institute has been certified. Licensed volume set to full-time education in the 2000-2001 academic year was 575 persons, retraining – 150 persons.
The number of students on October 1, 2000 was 5113 people, including full-time students – 2173, part-time – 2940. Their training was provided by 315 teachers, including 37 Professors and Doctors of Sciences, 159 Candidates of Sciences and Associate Professors.

Nestulia O.O.- Rector of Poltava University of Consumer Cooperatives in Ukraine from 2003 to 2010, the current rector of the Higher Educational Establishment of Ukoopspilka “Poltava University of Economics and Trade”, Doctor of History, Professor.

Development of the University at the turn of the century is characterized by high dynamism and growth of quantitative and qualitative indicators of educational activities:

In 2004 the university started training professionals in the fields – “Economic Cybernetics”, “Banking” and “Social Informatics”,  in 2006 – “Personnel Management and Labour Economics”, in 2007 – “Hotel and Restaurant Business”.

Licensed amounts of students in all majors are: for full-time studies – up to 2771 people and for correspondence studies – up to 6141 people. Total number of students was 15,045 students, including full-time – 4933 students. Number of teaching staff has grown to 577 people, among them: Doctors, Professors – 66; Candidates of Sciences – 356.

In 2009 the University was accredited again and by the State Accreditation Committee of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine on July 2, 2009 it was awarded the fourth – the highest level.

In April 2010 university changed its name to “Higher Educational Establishment of Ukoopspilka “Poltava University of Economics and Trade”.