Overview

Dragutin Zelenović (Serbian: Драгутин Зеленовић; 19 May 1928 – 27 April 2020) was a Serbian engineer, university administrator and political figure. He is best known for his long career in higher education as a professor and rector at the University of Novi Sad and for a short period in government when he served as Prime Minister of Serbia in 1991. He was also a member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Academic career and contributions

Zelenović spent most of his professional life in academia, associated with the Faculty of Technical Sciences at the University of Novi Sad. As a professor he taught and supervised students in technical disciplines and took on administrative responsibilities that culminated in his election as rector of the university (1987–1989). In these roles he worked on strengthening university governance, promoting research and expanding technical education at a time of rapid social and economic change in Yugoslavia.

Political role

In 1991, during a turbulent period marked by political upheaval and the disintegration of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Zelenović accepted a government post and served briefly as Prime Minister of Serbia (Prime Minister of Serbia). His tenure was short and occurred amid intense domestic and international challenges. Observers note that his background as an academic distinguished him from many career politicians in the leadership of that era.

Recognition and legacy

Zelenović was elected to the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in recognition of his contributions to science and higher education. His legacy is primarily institutional: colleagues and former students remember him for his work in technical education, for administrative leadership at the University of Novi Sad and for bridging academic and public service. He died in Novi Sad on 27 April 2020 at the age of 91.

Notable positions

  • Professor, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad
  • Rector, University of Novi Sad (1987–1989)
  • Member, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts
  • Prime Minister of Serbia (1991)

For a fuller account of Zelenović's publications, research interests and the precise timeline of his public service, consult specialist histories of Serbian higher education and contemporary political studies.