Osnabrück University President Menzel-Riedl: Top manager in the university ranking!

Osnabrück University President Menzel-Riedl: Top manager in the university ranking!

Prof. Dr. Susanne Menzel-Riedl, President of the University of Osnabrück, achieved second place in the election for “Rector of the Year” with an average rating of 1.79. This election, which took place from November 11th to December 13th, 2024, recorded 3,026 participants. Almost 80 percent of those surveyed rated their administration as good to very good. First place went to Prof. Dr. Manfred Bayer, Rector of the TU Dortmund, who has received this award for the second time. The results of this survey, which was carried out by the Center for Evaluation and Methods at the University of Bonn, were published in the March issue of the magazine “Research & Teaching”. The honor will take place on March 31, 2025 as part of the German Science Gala in Berlin, as reported on the University of Osnabrück website.

Prof. Menzel-Riedl has been President of the University of Osnabrück since 2019 and is considered one of the most high-profile university managers in Germany. Her leadership skills are valued by her colleagues as being communicative, results-oriented and capable of conflict. Apparently her understanding of leadership is based on a clear value orientation and she has initiated a comprehensive strategy process at the university. This strategy also refers to promoting effective science communication by demonstrating personal competence. Under her leadership, the communications and marketing department was further expanded as an advisory unit.

A strong network and innovative approaches

In addition to her role at the University of Osnabrück, Menzel-Riedl has built up an extensive network with representatives from politics, business and society. She now sees the University of Osnabrück as a strong voice for science. In addition, she was recently nominated for the title of “University Manager of the Year”, which represents recognition of her achievements in both science communication and social dialogue.

Since 2022 she has also been chairwoman of the Lower Saxony State University Conference and since December 2023 vice president of the University Rectors' Conference (HRK) for higher education system and organization. The nomination for the title “University Manager of the Year 2024” was based on a data-based pre-selection and surveys of university management and university council chairmen. This award has been presented jointly by the weekly newspaper DIE ZEIT and the CHE Center for University Development since 2008.

The challenges in the higher education sector

In a dynamic, global environment, universities have to face numerous challenges. The number of students is increasing while public funding is stagnating. In this context, the quality and relevance of training is becoming increasingly important, as is the efficient use of public resources. Strategic planning and operational management are becoming increasingly important at all levels of universities, including in developing and emerging countries. Programs such as the DIES program (Dialogue on Innovative Higher Education Strategies), offered by the DAAD and HRK, support universities in overcoming these challenges.

Events and seminars as part of the DIES program promote exchanges about leadership styles and strategic management in higher education. It will also be discussed how women in leadership positions can be better supported. These topics are of central importance because exchange and international cooperation are becoming increasingly important for the sustainable development of universities.

Prof. Menzel-Riedl has made a name for herself through her leadership qualities and innovative strength, not only in Lower Saxony but also beyond. Her repeated nomination and the high esteem in which she is held underline the positive development and outstanding achievements that she has achieved at the University of Osnabrück and in the university landscape as a whole.