Tim van der Hagen: ’A logical time to pass the baton’

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Last week, the Supervisory Board announced its intention to change the current governance model as of January 2026. In the -newmodel, the combined positions of Rector Magnificus and President of the Executive Board will be separated again. A wise decision for the future of our university, agrees Tim van der Hagen. He will pass the baton during next year’s Dies Natalis, after which the new governance model will take effect.

"The beginning of 2026 is a logical time to pass the baton. I think the Dies Natalis is a wonderful time for the rectorate to change hands. My predecessors have done the same, and I am happy to continue that tradition. I am now the longest-serving president in the history of this university. It has been a great experience.

"Around the time I took over, the governance model was changed to what is called the ’Leiden model,’ with a combined position of rector magnificus/president. They had that in Leiden at that time, and it is also common abroad. But the times have moved on.

"I have always fulfilled this dual role with pleasure and with pride. But the university is a society in miniature, I always say. Not only do we work for and with society, but social and geopolitical developments also find their way to the campus. In this respect, a lot has happened in the last few years. The Covid-19 crisis, the energy crisis, increasing polarization, wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and so on. I fully support the Supervisory Board-s proposed decision to separate the governance model again. Looking to the future, this is the best and wisest thing for our university. Together, we have put this interest first.

-It was my decision to step down from the Executive Board in January next year, a decision I took in close consultation with the Supervisory Board, of course. In doing so, I especially want to give ample space to the new governance model. As mentioned, I have been a member of the Executive Board for an exceptionally long time. This is my third term on the Board. Originally, Rob Mudde was to retire as VRM on 1 November 2025. For the sake of continuity, I would have stayed on until autumn 2026. With Rob’s stepping down earlier, I will be able to pass the baton in January 2026. By then, I will have served almost 10 years as President and the full 8 years as Rector Magnificus, having succeeded Karel Luyben in January 2018.

"By taking this decision now, the Supervisory Board will have sufficient time to search for suitable candidates and administrative continuity will be ensured. After all, I will stay on for another full year. In 2026, there will be room for a new leadership that fits the changed (geo)political context. The University has great ambitions that will continue to take shape under a new administration. I have every confidence in that. The organization is resilient and ready for future changes.

"This year I will remain in office. It is a year I look forward to. I will devote myself undiminished to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I see the Rotterdam Campus as a wonderful opportunity. The financial cutbacks are a challenge, but I am sure we will manage. Social safety also has my undivided attention. I feel responsible and highly motivated to further improve social safety and get it on track. I will not shy away from it. I did not do so last year, and I will not do so this year.
"So what then will I be doing next year? Rob Mudde was eager to get back into the lecture hall to teach. I’ll have to think about it for a while, but I’m sure something good will come my way!