NEWS The University Board proposes to the Swedish Government that Hans Adolfsson continues as vice-chancellor of Umeå University for another three years after the current period of office runs out on 30 June 2022. The proposal is supported by the university’s Consultative Assembly. If the Government approves, Hans Adolfsson becomes the first vice-chancellor in almost thirty years at the university to hold office for longer than the regular six years.
Hans Adolfsson, vice-chancellor of Umeå University.
ImageElin BergeIt was a unanimous University Board that decided to propose a reappointment of the current Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson for another three years.
“I’m pleased that Hans Adolfsson is willing to carry on, and that the board has now decided to propose to the Government for him to continue to lead the university for another three years,” says Chris Heister, chairperson of the University Board, continuing:
Chris Heister, chairperson of the University Board.
ImageMattias Pettersson“As vice-chancellor, he has gained huge trust internally, and represent the university very well both nationally and regionally through several important mandates and as an active voice in Swedish higher education. These conditions are positive in order to further strengthen the university’s position in education, research and public outreach.”
Hans Adolfsson’s current period of office as vice-chancellor runs from 1 July 2016 until 30 June 2022. The University Board is now proposing that the Government extends his appointment until 30 June 2025. If this becomes reality, it will be the first time that one of Umeå University’s vice-chancellors holds office for longer than six years, since the current legislation took effect.
Before the University Board made their proposal for reappointment, an internal evaluation through the University Board took place, and a hearing in the Consultative Assembly, consisting of 89 employee and student members. The outcome in all instances were positive. Chairperson of the Consultative Assembly is Anna Arnqvist, professor of biomedicine and associate dean of the Faculty of Medicine:
Anna Arnqvist, Chairperson of the Consultative Assembly.
ImageMattias Pettersson“The Consultative Assembly was in full agreement to support the proposal. Hans Adolfsson is well-respected and popular with many students and staff, and we see several good initiatives and positive experiences from the first period of office that we can now further develop upon in the upcoming years,” she says.
The Swedish Government is in charge of making the formal decisions on the appointment of vice-chancellors at the country’s higher education institutions, and the decision is expected to be reached in spring 2022. Normally, a vice-chancellor is appointed for a six-year period, with the possibility for reappointment for two three-year periods.
The process of appointing a pro-vice-chancellor of Umeå University will be commenced in December 2021.
Chris Heister
chairperson of the University Board, Umeå University
E-mail: chris@heister.se
