The University’s New Vice-Chancellor: “I Want to Be an Accessible Leader”
“I want to develop the university together with the staff”, says Anders Kottorp, the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gävle. With roots in Gästrikland and extensive academic experience, he now takes on the task of leading the university into the future.
For Anders Kottorp, stepping into the role of Vice-Chancellor at the University of Gävle is something of a homecoming. Born in Sandviken and raised in Gävle, he is now returning to his childhood city after more than forty years. He brings with him a long academic career, with experiences from several Swedish and international universities, and a clear vision of accessible and inclusive leadership to further strengthen the university’s role regionally and internationally.
Broad Experience – from Umeå to Chicago
Anders Kottorp is a Professor of Occupational Therapy and has conducted research in health sciences for many years. He earned his doctorate at Umeå University in 2003 and has since held several leading academic positions. Between 2006 and 2015, he held several managerial roles at Karolinska Institutet, and from 2014 to 2017 he was Professor at the University of Illinois in Chicago.
In recent years, he has served as Dean of the Faculty of Health and Society at Malmö University, during the period when Malmö University College transitioned into a university. He describes this period as both intense and rewarding. The experience of building research and doctoral education, often under pressure and with strategic priorities, is something he brings with him to Gävle.
“A Perfectly Sized University”
When asked why he applied for the position in Gävle, Kottorp highlights the size and scope of the institution.
– The University of Gävle is a perfectly sized university. I want to be able to move around the organisation and have a good understanding of what is happening in the classrooms, in the labs, and during clinical placements.
He describes himself as an accessible leader who wants to combine strategy with presence. A reputation that followed him when he recently left Malmö University, where he was described as a leader with both head and heart.
First Period: Listening and Learning
The first months as Vice-Chancellor will, above all, be an intensive learning period. He calls it a “crash course” in the university and emphasises the importance of meeting staff and students, both in formal and informal contexts. Among other things, he plans recurring lunch meetings with students to create open dialogue.
– It’s about putting a face to both staff and students – and allowing them to put a face to me. I want to hear what works well, but also what challenges exist, says Kottorp.
On his first day at the new job, Anders Kottorp was interviewed by Stina Lilja and Marie Hägg Zetterlund.
Focus Areas Moving Forward
He highlights three areas in particular as crucial for the university’s development:
- Quality in education – ensuring that students continue to receive education of the highest standard.
- Research and doctoral education – strategically developing research, both in volume and quality, and integrating it more closely with education.
- Work and study environment – creating good conditions for both students and staff.
He also sees great potential in strengthening collaboration with the surrounding community. Regional cooperation with municipalities, the county and business sector will, according to Kottorp, be key to the university’s continued development.
Back Home – After 40 Years
For Anders Kottorp, the new assignment also marks a personal step. After many years at various universities in Sweden and abroad, it feels right to return to Gävle, where he will now settle down.
– It was a special feeling stepping off the train at Gävle Central and thinking: now I’m back. It feels completely right, both professionally and personally.
Old school friends have already reached out, and parts of his family still live in the region. His closest family includes two daughters, a baby grandson, and a partner in Stockholm.
Returning to a familiar environment, he believes, will also be an advantage in his role as Vice-Chancellor, where local and regional collaboration will be an important part.
“I Want to be a Visible Vice-Chancellor”
In summary, Anders Kottorp wants to be a present leader who listens, reflects, and at the same time dares to make decisions. He stresses that he does not have a set plan for the first hundred days – for him, it is more important first to understand the organisation in depth.
– I hope to be a Vice-Chancellor who is accessible, who is visible in everyday life, and who, together with staff and students, can continue to develop the University of Gävle.
Text: Tommy Löfgren
Sidan uppdaterades 2025-10-06