Webster Vienna Private University

Webster University is an independent nonprofit institution with a century of time-tested results, today serving 13,000-plus students studying worldwide. Recognized for its diversity, inclusion and global orientation, Webster is an institution focused on the future of education, guided by a bold mission appropriate for today’s changing times.

With its main campus in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, Webster’s global network of campuses spans three continents. Faculty, staff, students and alumni from across the network forge powerful bonds with each other and their communities around the globe, guided by the University’s mission, vision and core values.

Webster Vienna Private University’s mission is to generate knowledge and prepare students for success through a globally oriented and personalized education, small classes and mentorship.

The University’s vision is to solidify its position in Austria and Central Europe as an internationally competitive institution of higher education through innovative programs led by a roster of international faculty who form the core of WVPU’s student-centered approach to higher education. As a member of Webster University’s global network of campuses, faculty, staff and students (including over 200,000 alumni) it facilitates student and faculty mobility and fosters a respect for diversity in culture and ideas.

Our approach to education:

– A student-centered approach.

– The integration of theory and practice and research-led teaching.

– Individual accountability and social responsibility.

– Commitment to diversity and inclusion.

– Global perspective.

Our values set the baseline for the university’s principles with regard to teaching and learning, research and social responsibility, namely a commitment to:

Guarantee freedom of sciences and their teaching covering a diversity of scientific and artistic theories, methods and doctrines.
Encourage creativity and scholarship to build self-confidence and a life-long desire for learning.
Transfer key skills necessary for problem solving in the 21st century.
Generate and disseminate research that enhances and strengthens an understanding of the economic, social, political and individual processes that shape the world.
Advance the cause of knowledge-based public and corporate decision making through publicly accessible fora and its dissemination.

WVPU is one of the longest operating private universities in Austria. Established upon the invitation of Vienna’s mayor, Dr. Leopold Gratz, it became the first university in the country to offer degree programs entirely in English, the first to offer an accredited MBA degree in 1985, and one of the first to receive full accreditation as a private university in 2001.

More than 40 years from its humble beginnings, WVPU is an integral part of the Austrian higher education landscape. Well known for its rigorous teaching excellence and student mentorship, its roster of research faculty guarantees the indivisibility of teaching and research in the classroom while delivering practical real-life skills. Always true to Webster University’s core values, it continues to put students at the center of education, instilling a respect for diversity and an understanding of their own and others’ values to create global citizens.

Dr. Didem Kepir Savoly, PhDAssistant Prof., Psychology Department, WVPUdidemsavoly@webster.edu

Didem Kepir Savoly received her bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in Counseling in Turkiye. She specialized in the field of career counselling in her master thesis and doctoral dissertation. As a part of her doctoral work, she was awarded a scholarship and continued her work as a visiting scholar at Kent State University, Ohio and collaborated with the developer of Career Construction Theory, Dr. Mark Savickas. She has worked at several universities in Turkiye, the USA and Hungary as a research assistant, guest lecturer as well as adjunct professor. After moving to Europe, she set up her private practice offering online counselling to English and Turkish speaking expats and immigrants. She organizes Well-being Week for university students to raise awareness and support them in promoting their well-being. Research Interests Kepir Savoly’s research interests are in the area of psychological well-being, emotion regulation and co-regulation, career transition, career adaptability, and intervention programs, and counsellor education. Her research groups focus on underrepresented groups or disadvantaged groups such as international students, immigrants, women etc.

Addi Limehouse, BAResearch Assistantaddilimehouse@webster.edu

Addi Limehouse is originally from the United States and is now based in Austria. She is a research assistant on the ClimateTeach2025 project and is eager to explore the psychological dimensions of climate change and the essential role psychology can play in shaping impactful education on this pressing topic. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Webster Vienna Private University (May 2025), where she conducted an experimental thesis study and developed a strong interest in applying psychological science in practical and meaningful ways. Addi brings an empathetic and collaborative approach to her work, with a deep commitment to participant well-being and research that supports real-world change. She is currently refining her German language skills and preparing for graduate studies in Austria, with long-term goals of becoming a psychotherapist specializing in somatic and trauma-informed modalities.