Tom Veldkamp continues to be rector of the UT for the next four years

23 / 04 / 2024 | Redactie

Rector Magnificus Tom Veldkamp has been reappointed by the Supervisory Board for a second term. He will thus sign on as rector of the UT for another four years.

In terms of management style, Veldkamp is known as 'stable, committed and solid'. But he also let it be known that he does not like to be the center of attention . He was appointed Rector Magnificus in November 2020 and started in a turbulent time, in the middle of the corona period. His four-year term was due to expire in the autumn, but has now been extended.

Where will the UT be in four years' time, at the end of its first term?, was the question in one of his first interviews with U-Today. Veldkamp in 2020: 'I hope we have a university where people feel at home. Where the artificial difference between education and research is reduced and where we work on meaningful topics in a challenge-based manner. That's what connects us to society.'

Veldkamp sometimes showed a clear side, whether it was about complaints about a GP practice or conducting the social debate.

The rector was also committed to strengthening the 'fourth leg of the UT table': lifelong learning'. Veldkamp: 'I dare say that lifelong learning is just as important as our initial education. Otherwise, we have done something wrong. I have every confidence in a good execution.'

President of the Executive Board Vinod Subramaniam and Vice-President Machteld Roos are part of the Executive Board from September 2021. Their term runs until mid-2025. It is not yet known whether they will also remain affiliated with the UT for a longer period of time.

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‘Mijn grootste zorg? Onze autonomie die wordt aangetast’

Tom Veldkamp (61) blijft ook de komende jaren als rector magnificus aan de UT verbonden. Hoe gaat hij om met demonstranten die ferme eisen stellen, de druk op internationalisering en een aanstaand kabinet dat honderden miljoenen op het hoger onderwijs wil korten? ‘Er is heel veel te doen, mijn werk is nog niet klaar.’

‘My biggest concern? Our autonomy that is being compromised'

Tom Veldkamp (61) will continue to work as rector magnificus at the UT in the coming years. How does he deal with protesters who make firm demands, the pressure on internationalization and an upcoming cabinet that wants to cut hundreds of millions in higher education? 'There is a lot to do, my work is not done yet.'

Tom Veldkamp ook komende vier jaar rector UT

Rector magnificus Tom Veldkamp is door de raad van toezicht voor een tweede termijn herbenoemd. Hij tekent daarmee voor nog eens vier jaar bij als rector van de UT.

Tom Veldkamp continues to be rector of the UT for the next four years

Rector Magnificus Tom Veldkamp has been reappointed by the Supervisory Board for a second term. He will thus sign on as rector of the UT for another four years.

‘Onze plek in de maatschappij verandert’

Honderd dagen geleden begon Tom Veldkamp als rector. Een start in een turbulente tijd, maar hij heeft al een prioriteitenlijstje: Veldkamp wil de masteropleidingen hervormen, meer focus in onderzoek aanbrengen en UT’ers ‘buiten de ivoren toren laten stappen’.

‘Our role in society is changing’

Tom Veldkamp took up the role of rector a hundred days ago. He started during a turbulent time, but already has a list of priorities: Veldkamp wants to reform the master’s programmes, increase focus in research, and get the UT community to ‘step outside the ivory tower’.

‘You can make a difference for a lot of people’

For one, it might be the best job in the world. For the other, it is a new step that will allow him to make a bigger contribution and exert more influence. But one thing is indisputably true for both departing rector magnificus Thom Palstra and his successor Tom Veldkamp: the rectorship is a way of life. About a special office during a unique time.

‘Je kunt iets voor heel veel mensen betekenen’

De een denkt dat het misschien wel de mooiste baan is, de ander ziet het als een nieuwe stap om meer te kunnen bijdragen en te beïnvloeden. Maar dat het rectoraat een way of life is, staat voor scheidend rector magnificus Thom Palstra en zijn opvolger Tom Veldkamp vast. Over een bijzonder ambt, in bijzondere tijden.