Valentyna Astakhova

Valentyna Ilarionivna Astakhova (nee Pyatykhina; born 4 April 1935) is a Ukrainian historian, doctor of historical sciences, professor (1983), academician of the Academy of Sciences of the Higher School of Ukraine (2004), advisor to the rector, former rector of Kharkiv Humanitarian University People's Ukrainian Academy. Knight of the Order of Princess Olga III (1997) and II (2004) degrees, Honored Worker of Education of the Ukrainian SSR, recipient of the Badge of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Ukraine "Excellence in Education," Honorary Doctor of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Honorary Citizen of Kharkiv (2011).

Early life and education Valentyna Astakhova was born on 4 April 1935 in Dnipropetrovsk (now Dnipro, Ukraine). After graduating from secondary school No. 136 in Kharkiv in 1952, she studied at the history faculty of M. Gorky Kharkiv State University (now V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University), graduating with honors in 1957.

Career After graduation, Astakhova worked as a history teacher at secondary school No. 36 in Kharkiv, In 1991–2011, she was the rector of Kharkiv Humanitarian University "People's Ukrainian Academy," and since 2011 - the advisor to the rector of the same university.

In 2004, Astakhova became a member of the public organization of the Academy of Sciences of the Higher School of Ukraine. In 2011, she was awarded a title of an honorary citizen of Kharkiv for her significant contribution to education in the city of Kharkiv.

Social activities During 1972–1992, Astakhova participated in numerous seminars, courses, schools for young lecturers, and regional competitions, which later turned into public speaking competitions held in Kharkiv.

In 1980, she was a member of the All-Union Art "Knowledge" delegation to the USA.

In 1985, Astakhova was a member of the Ukrainian SSR delegation at the 40th session of the UN General Assembly.

In 2003, she joined the "Congress of Business Women of Ukraine." Order of Princess Olga II degree (2004) Order "1020th Anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus" of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (2008) Honorary citizen of the city of Kharkiv (2011) — "for significant contribution to the field of education of the city of Kharkiv" Honorary Diploma of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine "For significant contribution in services to the Ukrainian people" Medal of Pushkin (Russian Federation) (2012)