Moin, Ms. Hipp!
What will your first days on the job look like?
Listening and getting to know people, forming the team for the Executive University Board, and initiating dialogue with the Senate, University Council, students, staff, key stakeholders in the city and region, and political representatives. Specific tasks will include discussions about the university contract, target agreements, and budget negotiations.
How have your experiences in academic leadership roles and industry shaped your vision for Europa-Universität Flensburg? What goals do you aim to achieve as president?
My diverse experiences have shown me how important it is to build bridges between academia, society, businesses, and politics. I want to use this perspective to strengthen Europa-Universität Flensburg as a place where interdisciplinary approaches, practical orientation, and social responsibility take center stage. My goal is to further develop the university as an innovative yet inclusive space.
How do you plan to strengthen the university’s pro-European orientation and inspire students to think globally and interculturally?
Europe is more than a geographic area—it’s a living project characterized by diversity and collaboration. I want to weave this vision into the identity of Europa-Universität Flensburg by embedding European values and perspectives even more deeply into degree programs, research, and outreach. Through international collaborations, exchange programs, and intercultural events, I aim to encourage students across all programs to see themselves as part of a European and global network. At the same time, I strive to establish closer connections between our university and the institutions of the European Union. Our European University Alliance, EMERGE, will be a key platform for this effort.
How do you intend to promote dialogue among students, staff, and partners to create an open and supportive university environment?
An inclusive community thrives on open dialogue and mutual respect. I plan to implement regular formats for exchange among students, staff, and external partners—such as roundtable discussions, open forums, or interactive workshops. Additionally, I want to ensure that all voices are heard by fostering transparent communication structures and participatory decision-making processes. The goal is to create a culture of belonging where everyone can contribute and thrive.
As president, how will you increase the visibility of education, Europe, and sustainability as core aspects of the university's identity?
Europa-Universität Flensburg is already a pioneer in these areas, and I see great potential to further advance these thematic commitments. In addition to promoting interdisciplinary projects and research that connect education, European integration, and sustainability, I'd like to expand our partnerships with international institutions and sustainability-focused organizations. Our goal should be to empower students and researchers to find well-informed solutions to global challenges.
What motivated you to take on this role? What does being the successor to Prof. Dr. Werner Reinhart mean to you?
Europa-Universität Flensburg embodies values that deeply resonate with me: education as a driver of transformation, a strong commitment to Europe, and responsibility for a sustainable future. It’s a privilege to follow Prof. Dr. Werner Reinhart and build on his efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence societal progress—a challenge that I, together with the entire university community, accept with great pleasure and determination.