University of Gävle Seeks New Vice-Chancellor

The University of Gävle has begun the recruitment process for a new vice-chancellor. The current vice-chancellor, Ylva Fältholm, has been proposed as the new vice-chancellor of Södertörn University and is expected to take up her new position in July.

The recruitment of a vice-chancellor at a Swedish university follows a well-established process. The University Board at the University of Gävle has formed a recruitment group led by the board's chairman, Stephen Hwang. The recruitment group has developed a requirement profile for the vice-chancellor position, which has been adopted by the board.

A job advertisement has now been published, and applications will be accepted until April 20. In May, interviews will begin with candidates who have expressed interest.
A smaller number of candidates will then proceed to interviews with so-called consultation groups, consisting of representatives from the staff and students.

The recruitment group will consider the consultation groups’ feedback on the candidates and then present a proposal to the University Board, which makes the final decision on the new vice-chancellor. The formal appointment is then made by the government. The process is expected to be completed during the autumn of this year.

Professorship Required

One of the formal requirements for the position is that the candidate must be a professor with experience in personnel management. Additionally, extensive experience in successful high-level leadership within academia and strong connections to the scientific community are required. Candidates should also have experience collaborating with external stakeholders.

Ylva Fältholm to Leave After Eight Years

The current vice-chancellor, Ylva Fältholm, has held the position at the University of Gävle since 2017. She has one year left on her contract and was originally set to leave in the summer of 2026. However, she will now leave a year earlier, as she has been proposed as the new vice-chancellor at Södertörn University starting in July. The formal appointment by the government is still pending.

Text: Tommy Löfgren