OU celebrates inauguration of Anatolia American University

Posted on 23 July 2026 • University news

The Open University recently joined partners in Thessaloniki, Greece, to celebrate the official inauguration of Anatolia American University, marking a major milestone in a long-standing partnership built on trust, shared values and a shared belief in the power of education to change lives.

The inauguration marks a new chapter in the OU’s 12-year validation partnership with Anatolia College through The American College of Thessaloniki, following recent changes in Greek law that enabled the establishment of Anatolia American University through a strategic educational partnership with the OU.

Professor Mark Durkin, Pro Vice-Chancellor Partnerships and Enterprise at The Open University, attended the inauguration and said the partnership was a source of real pride.

“This is not a transactional relationship operating at arm’s length,” he said. “It is built on shared interest, support, shared responsibility, and a belief in creating long-term success.”

Professor Durkin said the OU and Anatolia American University were united by a shared mission to ensure high-quality education is available to all who wish to realise their ambition and fulfil their potential.

“Across the world, there are talented, motivated people whose futures are too often limited by circumstance and place rather than being optimised through their ability and opportunity,” he said.

“Partnerships like ours send a powerful and hopeful message: that opportunity should not be reserved for the few, but open to all.”

Dr Panos Vlachos, President of Anatolia College, said the establishment of Anatolia American University was made possible through a strong and trusted partnership with The Open University.

“Our partnership with The Open University has been central to this important milestone,” he said. “Together, we have created a pathway that combines Anatolia’s commitment to academic excellence with the OU’s expertise in widening access to high-quality higher education. Anatolia American University reflects what can be achieved when institutions work together with shared values, ambition and a clear commitment to students.”

“The OU’s relationship with Anatolia reflects a shared commitment to providing life-changing learning that enriches society. Through the partnership, just under 1500 students have studied on OU-validated provision, with more than 600 students awarded an OU degree certificate.”

Open University Validation Partnerships has been enabling institutions to offer OU-validated awards since 1992. It now works with partner institutions in the UK and internationally, validating almost 390 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across a wide range of subject areas.

Looking ahead, Professor Durkin said the partnership was not only about what had already been achieved, but about the future opportunities it would create for students and the positive impact it would continue to deliver. He added:

“The partnership stands as a wonderful example of what is possible when institutions are united by a common cause: to provide life-changing learning, to widen opportunity, to release the potential of our students, and to enrich society as a result.”

The inauguration marks an important moment for Anatolia American University and The Open University, and celebrates a shared commitment to widening opportunity through high-quality higher education.