At his inauguration, Prof. Dr. Bernhard Fügenschuh presented his team of Vice Rectors:
It was important to me to approach people with a connection to Salzburg and I am impressed by the versatility of my team, who complement each other so well. University Professor Dr. Jutta Horejs-Höck, from the Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences at PLUS, is responsible for research, the development of Life Sciences, and sustainability in the Rectorate team. Dr. Barbara Romauer is the first Vice-Rector for Finance and Resources. Associate Professor Dr. Michaela Rückl, a native of Lungau, has been appointed Education and Student Experience. She oversees degree programmes and postgraduate courses, as well as exchange programmes for increased student mobility. The Vice-Rectorate for Human Resources, headed by University Professor Dr. Elias Felten, is completely new”, said Fügenschuh.
When congratulations meet expectations
“During the appointment process, we noticed Professor Fügenschuh's great ability to reflect. This is a basic instrument of academia”, pointed out the Chair of the University Council, Dr. Marianne Schulze, who also emphasised that a rector is entrusted with the potential of a university.
Austria's Federal Minister of Education, Science and Research, Associate Professor Martin Polaschek, also spoke about the new Rector's outstanding credentials, noticing Fügenschuh's true willingness to improve collaboration and find compromises: “I have always admired his innovative spirit and his willingness to develop the university into a place of cooperation".
Cedric Keller, Chairman of the University’s Students' Union, also referred to this: “By stating, 'We are all the University', the new Rector has set a guiding principle for university management, emphasising inclusivity and shared responsibility. The Students' Union is confident that there will also be a common approach to problematic issues such as student welfare, to make the university a better place, step by step", pointed out Keller.
On the other hand, the new rector was reminded of the upcoming challenges. “When you think you've reached your goal, you then realise that it is just the beginning,” noted Governor Dr. Wilfried Haslauer, who believes that everyone should show an unconditional willingness to be at the forefront.
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Faber, Chairman of the University Senate, expects the new Rector to present the University with visions, successful developments, and practical implementation plans and mak them a reality: "We are confident that we will tackle developments together and pull all our experience, expertise, and perspectives.”
The Mayor of Salzburg reached out his hand to the new Rector and, together with the University, wants to make students more visible in the city of Salzburg.