Faculty of Communication and Environment bids farewell to longstanding Dean on his retirement
The Faculty of Communication and Environment honoured Professor Dr Andreas Schürholz with heartfelt thanks and best wishes as he retired after many years of long-standing commitment. For six years, he served as Dean, Head of Degree Programme, and Lecturer, playing an instrumental role in the growth and consolidation of the Faculty. As a dedicated Head of Degree Programme, educator, and mentor, Professor Schürholz consistently fostered the high quality of teaching, supported the development of the academic programmes, and provided invaluable guidance to students.
Fltr: Prof. Dr. Wappler (Head of the Mobility and Logistics Degree Programm), Prof. Dr. Schürholz, Prof. Dr. Hegemann (Dean), Prof. Dr. Hauck (Vice Dean)
Dr Schürholz took up the role of Dean in the summer semester of 2016, following the departure of the Faculty’s second elected Dean. After being successfully re-elected for a full term, he stood alongside his successor, the current Dean Professor Dr Hegemann, as a team in the subsequent election and was confirmed for a third term. In December 2022, he officially handed over the leadership to Professor Dr Hegemann.
Under his guidance, the Faculty successfully transitioned from its formative years into a phase of consolidation. Professor Schürholz continued the vision of the early days, guiding the Faculty into a period of stability and growth. During his tenure, the Faculty saw numerous key developments, including the opening of the Green FabLab as part of the state horticultural exhibition in Kamp-Lintfort and the expansion of the campus with two buildings formerly owned by Ruhrkohle AG—projects that have left a lasting imprint on the Faculty's identity.
"Professor Schürholz navigated the Faculty through numerous challenges with great expertise. Among his many achievements, the successful integration of new degree programmes stands out, as well as the introduction of the new block model for the E-Government programme in collaboration with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. His leadership was particularly instrumental during the challenging periods of the University Pact, the accelerated high school graduation ('Turbo-Abitur'), and the COVID-19 pandemic," said his successor, Professor Dr Hegemann, during the official farewell at the Faculty Council meeting.
Another hallmark of Professor Schürholz’s successful leadership was his close collaboration with Faculty staff and external partners. Thanks to his committed management, the Faculty remained steady even through turbulent times. The range of teaching and assessment formats was continually expanded, and both students and staff received the necessary support, particularly through innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by the pandemic.
"I would like to thank Professor Schürholz for his exceptional work, both as Dean and as Professor," said Professor Hegemann. "His visionary and strategic foresight has placed the Faculty on a solid foundation. His expertise and dedication to the Faculty and its students have always been invaluable."
The Faculty of Communication and Environment thanks Prof. Dr. Schürholz for his outstanding contributions across all areas of his work and wishes him all the best for the next chapter of his life. We hope to continue benefiting from his experience and expertise and look forward to maintaining a close connection with him in the future.