Ask your questions to Anders Söderholm, proposed as the next President of KTH
KTH’s University Board has proposed Anders Söderholm as the next President of KTH. The next step in the recruitment process is that Anders Söderholm will participate in a presentation and hearing on 12 May. As a student, you can ask your questions to the candidate, for example about pedagogy and study environments, the future of student life or the role of the technical university in society.
Anders Söderholm is Professor of Business Administration and Director General of the Swedish Higher Education Authority. He has also taught industrial economics at KTH in various courses. Ävelin Pantigoso Velasquez and Simon Edström, student representatives on KTH's nomination committee, are satisfied with the proposal for the new rector of KTH.
"Although it initially felt a little strange to have a President who is not an engineer himself, it became apparent during the process that Anders is exactly what KTH needs. We see him as an engaging leader who will be able to be a President for everyone at KTH," says Ävelin Pantigoso Velasques.
Anders Söderholm has previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Mid Sweden University and has conducted research in organisational theory. The student representatives believe that his many years of experience navigating the higher education sector and insightfully balancing different perspectives will greatly benefit KTH's faculty, which will create a better education for students.
"For us, it was important not to have a President who is only focused on student issues or a specific research area. We want a President who can take all of KTH's perspectives and do what is best for the whole of KTH," says Simon Edström.
The next step in the recruitment process is that Anders Söderholm will participate in a presentation and hearing on 12 May, where employees and students will have an opportunity to ask questions. THS will also invite students to a similar session.
"It is essential that anyone who has questions or concerns about or for Anders comes and asks them. Some examples of relevant areas that students might be particularly interested in are the organisation of education, pedagogy and study environments, the future of student life, the conditions for doctoral students, visions for KTH and role of the technical university in society," says Simon Edström.
After the presentation and hearing, the nomination committee will compile the comments to KTH's University Board. If the process goes as planned, Anders Söderholm will start as President of KTH on 1 December.