Ivane Javakhishvili (1876–1940) was not only one of Georgia’s most eminent historians and linguists but also the fou... View More

Ivane Javakhishvili (1876–1940) was not only one of Georgia’s most eminent historians and linguists but also the founding father of the university. He authored over 170 works, including the monumental A History of the Georgian Nation, which remains a cornerstone of Georgian historical scholarship. After studying in St. Petersburg and Berlin, he led TSU as its rector from 1919 to 1926. His vision shaped the university’s academic mission, and he later headed the Georgian National Museum until his death. Today he rests in the university’s Pantheon, a testament to his enduring legacy View Less

Petre Melikishvili (1850–1927) served as the university’s first rector, appointed in January 1918. A pioneering chem... View More

Petre Melikishvili (1850–1927) served as the university’s first rector, appointed in January 1918. A pioneering chemist, he established TSU’s chemistry laboratory and led the departments of organic and inorganic chemistry. Melikishvili taught pro bono in TSU’s early years, helping the fledgling institution gain academic legitimacy. Under his leadership, TSU laid the groundwork for its scientific training and research culture. He is commemorated at TSU’s Pantheon among its founding scholars View Less

Akaki Shanidze (1887–1987) was a linguist and philologist who helped build Georgia’s foundations in language studies... View More

Akaki Shanidze (1887–1987) was a linguist and philologist who helped build Georgia’s foundations in language studies. He co‑founded TSU, chaired multiple language departments, and pioneered Georgian dialectology, textology, and biblical studies. Shanidze created much of Georgian grammatical terminology and helped build the university’s library. Recognized as a Georgian Academy of Sciences academician, he taught for decades and is buried in the university’s Pantheon, a mark of his lifelong commitment View Less

Dimitri Uznadze (1886–1950) was a philosopher and psychologist who co-founded TSU and launched Georgia’s tradition o... View More

Dimitri Uznadze (1886–1950) was a philosopher and psychologist who co-founded TSU and launched Georgia’s tradition of modern psychology and pedagogy. He developed the Georgian School of Psychology and wrote the country’s first world-history textbook for secondary schools. Uznadze held leadership roles at TSU, helped found the Georgian National Academy of Sciences, and taught modern educational methods. His impact on Georgian academic culture extends beyond the university into national education systems View Less

Viktor Kupradze (1903–1985) was a mathematician who rose to become vice‑rector and later rector of TSU. He authored ... View More

Viktor Kupradze (1903–1985) was a mathematician who rose to become vice‑rector and later rector of TSU. He authored groundbreaking work in elasticity, mathematical physics, and integral equations, publishing over 100 papers including five monographs. Kupradze led research during his tenure and served as Georgia’s Minister of Education (1944–1953). Decorated with the Order of Lenin twice, he left a legacy of scientific rigor and academic leadership at TSU View Less

David Ukleba (1919–1999) was a Georgian geographer and professor at TSU. He earned his doctorate in 1971 and was desig... View More

David Ukleba (1919–1999) was a Georgian geographer and professor at TSU. He earned his doctorate in 1971 and was designated Honored Scientist of the Georgian SSR in 1984. Ukleba created the foundation for landscape science in Georgia, leading the Departments of Landscape Study and Physical Geography at the Institute of Geography. His pioneering work in physical geography shaped TSU’s geography curriculum and Georgian scientific research in the field View Less

Nodar Khaduri (1970–2019) graduated from TSU with a degree in macroeconomics in 1996. He later lectured at the univers... View More

Nodar Khaduri (1970–2019) graduated from TSU with a degree in macroeconomics in 1996. He later lectured at the university and rose in Georgia’s Ministry of Finance to become Minister of Finance from 2012 to 2016. He also worked with the UN Development Programme. Khaduri bridged academic economics and public policy, bringing scholarship into governance. Around sixty percent of TSU grads, like him, translate their university training into impactful careers View Less

Levan Mikeladze (1957–2009) was a diplomat and TSU alumnus who studied economic and social geography. He served as Geo... View More

Levan Mikeladze (1957–2009) was a diplomat and TSU alumnus who studied economic and social geography. He served as Georgia’s ambassador to Austria, the United States, and Switzerland during transformational years (1996–2007). He also worked with OSCE and influenced Georgia’s international relations. Mikeladze earned doctoral-level training including at Stanford, and represented TSU’s global influence across diplomacy and geography academia View Less

Zviad Gamsakhurdia (1939–1993) taught English literature and American studies at TSU before becoming a leading disside... View More

Zviad Gamsakhurdia (1939–1993) taught English literature and American studies at TSU before becoming a leading dissident and the first democratically elected President of Georgia in 1991. A literary critic, human rights activist and philologist, his academic and political journey reflects the university’s role in nurturing civic leadership. Gamsakhurdia’s presidency, though brief, symbolized TSU’s influence beyond scholarship into national transformation View Less

Irakli Garibashvili (born 1982) studied at TSU before entering politics. He became Prime Minister of Georgia twice—fir... View More

Irakli Garibashvili (born 1982) studied at TSU before entering politics. He became Prime Minister of Georgia twice—first from 2013 to 2015, and again from 2021 until January 2024—and is now chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Known for blending business acumen with governance, Garibashvili applied his academic foundation from TSU in economics and public policy to real-world leadership. His career showcases how TSU shapes both public servants and policymakers View Less