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New leadership at the University of Vechta: Prof. Bals takes over!
Prof. Dr. Thomas Bals will be acting head of the University of Vechta from June 1, 2025 in order to reorganize the executive board.
New leadership at the University of Vechta: Prof. Bals takes over!
On May 26, 2025, the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture announced that Prof. Dr. Thomas Bals was appointed as the new representative of the University of Vechta. According to the information from MyNewsdesk Bals will take over the position previously held by the elected President Prof. Dr. Verena Pietzner held the position.
Minister Falko Mohrs explained that this decision was made in consensus with all university committees. A presidium capable of acting, Mohrs affirmed, is essential for the future-proof positioning of the University of Vechta. Due to the dismissal of Prof. Pietzner and the resignation of the vice president, the current executive board only has one remaining member.
Experience and goals
Prof. Dr. Thomas Bals brings extensive experience from his previous position as Vice President for University Development and Strategy at the University of Osnabrück. He held this role from 2016 to 2022 and was significantly involved in the strategic direction of the university. He will carry out his new duties for an initial period of one year from June 1, 2025 until the presidential position is filled as planned.
In his new role, Bals will drive forward the strategic development and financial consolidation of the University of Vechta. He receives support from Prof. Dr. Martina Blasberg-Kuhnke, who serves as a member of the Future Advisory Board and has valuable experience due to her career as the first female Catholic theology professor of practical theology in Germany at the University of Osnabrück.
Academic career
Prof. Bals is trained as a business educator and qualified psychologist and was most recently a W3 professor for vocational education at the University of Osnabrück. Over the years he has made significant contributions to professionalization in education and has authored numerous publications focusing on professional training, particularly in healthcare. These scientific works range from the “professionalization of teaching in the professional field of health” to various studies on professional training in the emergency services.
Bals' commitment is seen as crucial to successfully overcoming the challenges facing the University of Vechta. The need for a sustainable overall strategy is viewed as urgent by many members of the faculty and administration.