Thank you for eight years – Ylva Fältholm leaves University of Gävle

There is a touch of melancholy as Ylva concludes her assignment at the University of Gävle.
– It is bittersweet and a little sad to leave all my colleagues and this beautiful place, but also exciting to take on a new challenge, says Ylva Fältholm.

From LTU to Gävle

When Ylva Fältholm assumed the role in 2017, she came directly from Luleå University of Technology, where she had spent most of her professional life. Her arrival in Gävle and at the university was both novel and welcoming.
– It was an incredibly warm start. I was met by an inclusive culture and quickly felt accepted into the organisation. That tone has characterised my entire time here, she says.

A Clear Strategic Direction

During Ylva’s leadership, the university has made significant progress. A clearer strategic orientation, more robust decision-making processes, and stronger collegial grounding are among her lasting contributions.
– I am especially proud that together we have built transparent preparatory and decision-making processes, with clear definitions of roles and responsibilities. This strengthens both quality and engagement.

Enhancing collegial influence has been a heartfelt priority for her. Through the establishment of local faculty boards, decision-making authority has moved closer to academic expertise.
– It's about building a university based on two pillars, line management and collegial governance. They should interact and strengthen one another.

The University Now Part of a European Alliance

Another of Ylva’s core missions has been to increase the university’s international presence. In alliance with eight other universities in as many countries, the University of Gävle joined a European University network two years ago. As the first Swedish university of its kind to be approved by the European Commission, it became part of the EU GREEN alliance.

– I’m proud and happy that we are part of a European University. It will greatly enhance mobility and strengthen our international collaboration in education and research. I hope more people will seize these opportunities.

Academic Growth and New Opportunities

Ylva’s tenure has also been marked by growth in education and research. Under her leadership, the university has earned the right to award doctoral degrees in educational sciences, launched a PhD program in didactics, and gained the authority to award civil engineering degrees.
– These are key milestones in building a complete academic environment. They enhance our attractiveness and allow us to contribute to societal development in new ways.

She also highlights the strategic work with the university’s vision, core values, and goals as a foundation for shared direction.

Facing Challenges Along the Way

Her time as Vice-Chancellor was not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated major shifts, during which the university’s distance education experience proved an asset. Economic fluctuations and the role of remote learning in meeting regional skills needs also demanded reflection.

– It’s easy to assume that distance learning is always the answer, but we must also ask what kind of campus experience we want to offer. How do we create a vibrant environment where students want to be physically present? That’s a crucial issue for the future.

Ylva emphasizes that the University of Gävle must remain active regionally, nationally, and internationally.
– We must be an attractive partner regardless of where collaborations happen. But the connection to Gävleborg will always be central.

A Leadership of Collaboration

Ylva describes her leadership style as collective rather than individualistic.
– The Vice-Chancellor is a role, not a person. The decisions we make are the result of teamwork. That doesn’t mean leadership isn’t important, on the contrary. But it’s based on collaboration, trust, and transparency.

As an external representative for the university, she has been visible and active in national forums, particularly in areas such as academic freedom, teacher education, and university autonomy.
– I’ve wanted to bring the university into important contexts—and also bring knowledge back here.

A New Phase – With the Same Commitment

She now looks forward to her new assignment at Södertörn University, where she will begin as Vice-Chancellor in August.
– I’m excited to start anew, even though much will feel familiar. It’s the same sector, the same mission, but in a new context. I carry with me the experience, but also the humility that every institution is unique.

She plans to spend the summer at her cabin outside Piteå, with family, friends, and, hopefully, some digital disconnection.
– I try to unplug, even if it’s not always easy. But the cabin is my place for recovery.

What Legacy Remains?

Asked what she believes will live on after her departure, Ylva points to the new ways of working.
– I hope our methods, marked by clarity, transparency, and collegial anchoring, have taken root. Governance documents shouldn’t depend on who the Vice-Chancellor is. They should stand the test of time.

She offers no specific advice to her successor.
– Every Vice-Chancellor must shape their own leadership. But I’m happy to talk about the University of Gävle, if asked. Then the organisation moves forward, no one is indispensable, and that’s exactly as it should be.

Text: Tommy Löfgren