New Chancellor Enters Office (press release)

Michael Strotkemper was elected the new chancellor of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences by the University Assembly in October 2017. Strotkemper, who holds a degree in business administration, has now entered into office for a term of eight years. He plans to focus on increasing the University's regional efforts and impact.

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As the new chancellor of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Michael Strotkemper has now filled the final vacant position in the Executive Board of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The 34-year-old business administrator will lead the non-academic administration of the University for a term of eight years with the possibility of re-election. Strotkemper takes over for Dr. Oliver Herrmann, the acting chancellor since August 23, 2017. "I'm looking forward to assuming my new duties at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Together with the other members of the Executive Board, I want to make my contributions to the ongoing growth and development of this young university," said Strotkemper.

The president of Rhine Waal University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Heide Naderer, is also looking forward to working with the newest member of the Executive Board: "Mr. Strotkemper brings considerable academic management experience, which will most certainly benefit Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences in the years to come." Strotkemper had worked at the University of Duisburg-Essen since 2012, and held various positions, including deputy chancellor, before departing for Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Dr. Naderer also believes that Strotkemper's previous experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers AG WPG in Siegen, North Rhine-Westphalia, will also greatly benefit the University, as educational institutions operate in many ways similar to commercial enterprises. At the same time, Dr. Naderer thanked Dr. Hermann for his work as interim chancellor: "The exceptionally qualified Dr. Hermann has accomplished much in his few short months at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to him on behalf of the entire University. Though he's moved on to new challenges, he will remain in academia, so our paths are sure to cross again in the future."

In addition to Dr. Naderer and Mr. Strotkemper, the Executive Board is also composed of Professor Dr. Jens Gebauer (Vice-President for Research and Outreach), Professor Dr. Marion Halfmann (Vice-President for Studies, Teaching and Continuing Training) and Professor Dr. Georg Hauck (Vice-President for Personnel and Organizational Development, Diversity). Strotkemper's main duties as chancellor include leading the non-academic staff of the University and managing the institution's budget, but he also notes that he intends to advance the University's digitalization and knowledge transfer efforts as well. As chancellor, for example, he is in a position to dedicate energy and resources to the ongoing digitalization process of the University, and he is keenly aware of the overall importance of knowledge transfer: "Universities must engage in an active exchange of knowledge and research with industry in order to apply new insights to practical situations, and ultimately, for example, help bring new products to the market together with regional partners. I look forward to contributing to new structures and projects dedicated to this goal."

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