AUBG Executive MBA

Last Saturday, we welcomed ambitious professionals to the AUBG Executive MBA Open House for an inside look at a program designed for leaders ready to grow, adapt, and make an impact in today’s dynamic business environment.

The event offered prospective students the opportunity to explore the EMBA experience through conversations with AUBG President Dr. J.D. Mininger, Academic Director of Graduate Programs Dr. Momtchil Karpouzanov, and Graduate Programs Manager Ani Trencheva, who shared insights into the program’s curriculum, learning approach, and professional value.

A special thank you to our alumni speakers Georgi Kostadinov (EMBA ’13), Site Manager Sofia and Global Facilities at MELEXIS, Nina Nikolova (EMBA ’22), Customer Relations Manager at the Bulgarian Medicines Verification Organisation, and Ardiola ALIKAJ (EMBA '23), AUBG Executive MBA team member, for sharing their personal EMBA journeys and the impact the program has had on their careers and networks.

Participants also had the chance to experience the AUBG EMBA classroom in action during the open session “Entrepreneurship and Futures Thinking: Building Resilience in a Changing World,” led by distinguished professor Dimo Dimov.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and took the first step toward their next leadership chapter with AUBG EMBA.

In a recent AUBG Executive MBA Leadership Talk, Miglena Ouzounova-Tsekova, Senior HR Director and Leadership Team member at A1, shared practical advice on how women can grow into leadership roles, speak up with confidence, build meaningful professional relationships, and make their impact visible.

Her message is a powerful reminder that leadership starts before the title, and that organizations play an important role in creating space for talent to be recognized and supported.

Read the full article to discover Miglena’s insights on women, leadership, mentorship, sponsorship, and career growth: https://bit.ly/4g0IWYa

AUBG is proud to continue expanding its presence in Albania by bringing world-class executive education and practical business expertise to professionals in the region.

Participants joined our Win-Win Negotiations workshop in Tirana, led by Dr. Stephen McGuire. Throughout the session, professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders explored proven negotiation strategies, practiced real-world scenarios, and learned how to create value through collaboration rather than competition.

At AUBG, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom. By bringing learning opportunities directly to professionals across the Balkans, we aim to support leadership development, lifelong learning, and stronger business communities.

A special thank you to Momtchil Karpouzanov, PhD, Academic Director of Graduate Programs ata AUBG and AUBG alumna and Executive MBA team member Ardiola ALIKAJ, EMBA ('23) for making this initiative possible and strengthening AUBG’s connection with the professional community in Albania.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Tirana. We look forward to creating more opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional growth, and meaningful impact in Albania and across the region.

What makes a successful leader go back to university at 45?

For AUBG EMBA alumnus Milen Naydenov (EMBA ’23), learning never stopped. While leading a manufacturing business with more than 250 employees, he made the bold decision to return to the classroom and enroll in the AUBG Executive MBA program driven by curiosity, growth, and the belief that great leadership starts with people.

In this interview, Milen shares his perspective on leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence in manufacturing, and the human side of business. He also talks about his work with young people through the “Buditel” Association, helping bridge the gap between education and the real world.

This interview is part of our collaboration with BISS.bg., part of NetInfo, showcasing the expertise and impact of AUBG EMBA alumni and faculty to a wider business audience.

Watch the full interview at https://biss.bg/interview/novini/ot-direktor-na-industrialniia-gigant-watts-do-studentskata-skamejka-milen-najdenov-155

During its regular May meeting, the Board of Trustees of the American University in Bulgaria appointed Dr. J.D. Mininger as President of the university. The appointment follows an academic year during which he served as Interim President and led AUBG through the process of selecting a new institutional leader.

During its regular May meeting, the Board of Trustees of the American University in Bulgaria appointed Dr. J.D. Mininger as President of the university. The appointment follows an academic year during which he served as Interim President and led AUBG through the process of selecting a new institutional leader.

“Dr. Mininger brings a deep understanding of AUBG that he developed in his role as AUBG Provost since 2022, and genuine commitment to the community and to our mission. The collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and thoughtful leadership that he showed during the past academic year in his role as Interim President were key to moving AUBG forward in a period of transition. We are confident that he will lead the university with integrity and purpose while enhancing the university’s academic reputation and student experience,” said AUBG Board of Trustees Chair Jenik Radon, Esq.

Read more at https://www.aubg.edu/aubg-today/american-university-in-bulgaria-appoints-dr-j-d-mininger-as-university-president/

Tonight, the world turns its eyes to the Booker Prize 2026 ceremony, and we couldn’t be prouder to see AUBG EMBA alumna Izidora Angel (EMBA '06) among those helping bring powerful stories to global audiences.

As the translator of “She Who Remains” by Rene Karabash, shortlisted for the International Booker Prize, Izidora plays an essential role in carrying the voice, emotion, and depth of the novel across languages and cultures. Translation is far more than words, it is interpretation, sensitivity, and artistry.

It is truly inspiring to follow the journeys of our alumni and the impact they create around the world.

We will be cheering for the team tonight.

The room is full, the conversations are sharp, and the strategies are already taking shape.

This week, professionals joined Professor Steve McGuire for the fully booked Win-Win Negotiations course, an intensive hands-on experience focused on one of today’s most valuable leadership skills: negotiation.

Because negotiation is not just a skill, it is a strategic advantage.

Through real-world scenarios, guided practice, and expert feedback, participants are learning how to turn every negotiation into an opportunity for mutual value, building outcomes that benefit both sides, not just one.

From boardrooms to everyday business decisions, mastering the art of negotiation changes the way leaders communicate, collaborate, and create impact.

Congratulations to the AUBG Executive MBA Cohort 24, now officially the AUBG EMBA Class of 2026!

Your journey has been defined by ambition, resilience, leadership, and growth. We are incredibly proud of all that you have achieved and excited to welcome you to the global AUBG alumni community.

Stay connected, keep growing, and continue to inspire and lead with purpose wherever your path takes you. Congratulations!

Watch the 32nd Commencement ceremony at 10:15, at the link below.

32nd AUBG Commencement Ceremony Join us as we celebrate the achievements of the American University in Bulgaria’s graduating Class of 2026.Visit AUBG online:Website: http://www.aubg.eduFace...

Happy Holidays from all of us at AUBG!

With the end of finals today, we reflect on a semester of learning, collaboration, and shared achievements. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful year ahead.

Artwork by alumna Yenlik O'Neill ('22)