Universities have a long history

Universities are – with the exception of the Catholic Church – the oldest organizations of the world. They had a tremendous impact on the way of life and the cohabitation of the people on this planet. They are a place of interaction for motivated students, teachers and researchers and their passion to learn, teach and research.

Donald Kennedy gives a description in his book «Academic Duty»:

"The university is an institution that exists to advance culture, both by acquiring more knowledge and by disseminating received knowledge in ways that inspire young people to use it both creatively and constructively"

... and face the big challenges of the 21st century

Leadership and organization of higher education institutions are challenged more than ever by the foreseeable megatrends of the 21stcentury:

·      Because of new technologies teaching and learning is possible regardless of location,

·      the role of students and teachers are changing,

·      higher education is not anymore exclusively for an elite but a necessity for everyone and leads to a

·      globally oriented und multicultural university, 

·      that is no longer bound to buildings and locations, and

·      applies new forms of teaching, learning and research. 

My experience

With the experience of several decades in private and public education as a teacher, a researcher and as a rector, I am concerned with leadership in universities and developments in higher education.

Changes in the environment take place fast and have to be adapted quickly. However, education is a long-term task and has to be implemented carefully at the right speed with adequate leadership.