Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, who has served as a faculty member at Pamukkale University for many years and held key roles in local administration and infrastructure, assumed the role of Rector in April 2025. Emphasizing PAU’s 33-year history, he stated, “Located in Denizli, the pearl of the Aegean, Pamukkale University has fully opened its doors to youth. We are excited to walk this path together with our students.”

PAU Prepares 43,000 Students for Life with 19 Active Faculties, 6 Institutes, and 17 Vocational Schools

Rector Güngör noted that PAU consists of 20 faculties—19 of which are currently active—6 institutes, 1 school (School of Foreign Languages), and 17 vocational schools, serving nearly 43,000 students in total. He highlighted that programs such as Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, Education, Architecture, Gastronomy, and Physical Therapy are among the most in demand.

He also underlined that the university offers not only academic resources but also rich cultural, artistic, and sports opportunities. With more than 200 student clubs, an Olympic-size swimming pool, sports halls, and concert and theater venues, PAU fully supports campus life in all its aspects. Regarding accommodation and transportation, Rector Güngör pointed out the advantages of Denizli, stating, “I would especially like to emphasize that our students will receive their education in a safe, modern, and socially vibrant city where they will not face difficulties with housing and transportation.”

PAU’s Internationalization Efforts and Current Dual Degree Programs

Rector Güngör stated that since taking office, he has signed over 80 international cooperation protocols. He noted that PAU hosts more than 1,000 international students from over 60 countries. He added that exchange programs like Erasmus+ and Mevlâna are actively utilized, and emphasized the dual degree opportunities available through the SUNY program carried out with the State University of New York.

New AI and Tech-Focused Programs on PAU’s Agenda

In addition to newly established departments focused on agriculture and technology, Rector Güngör announced ongoing efforts to open a new program in Artificial Intelligence Engineering, with preparations underway in terms of academic staff and infrastructure. He also noted that vocational schools are being positioned to specialize in collaboration with organized industrial zones.

“We aim to carry the ancient heritage of Turkish-Islamic civilization into the future—through international academic collaboration.”

Highlighting that PAU’s mission is not only to transmit knowledge but also to raise individuals with national and moral values, Rector Güngör said, “We aim to carry the ancient heritage of Turkish-Islamic civilization into the future—through international academic collaboration.” As an example, he mentioned collaborations with universities in Uzbekistan and announced that upcoming events in Samarkand would showcase these time-honored values in a contemporary context.

“We invite students to PAU to prepare for life not only academically, but also as socially and culturally well-rounded individuals.”

Concluding his message to prospective students and their families, Pamukkale University Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör stated, “We encourage young people to choose fields they are passionate about. At Pamukkale University, we are here to prepare them for life not only academically, but also as socially and culturally well-rounded individuals.”