The Board of the University of Eastern Finland has appointed Jukka Mönkkönen, Doctor of Science (Pharmacy), 59, as the university's new Rector for the upcoming five-year term. The university’s Board made the decision, unanimously, on 21 May.
When making the selection, the Board placed specific emphasis on extensive knowledge of the university sector as well as on proven experience in leadership.
“Mönkkönen’s experience and achievements are best in line with the characteristics required of a rector. He has a long experience and achievements in leading an academic community, he is well known and respected in the Finnish university sector, and he has profound understanding of science policy and higher education,” says Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, Chair of the UEF Board.
Mönkkönen has served as Rector of the University of Eastern Finland since 2015. Roles previously held by Mönkkönen include Academic Rector of the University of Eastern Finland in 2012–2014, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences in 2010–2012, and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Kuopio in 2002–2009.
Mönkkönen obtained his Master's degree in pharmacy from the University of Kuopio in 1986, and his doctoral degree in pharmacy from the same university in 1991. He has held several research and teaching positions and, since 1998, he has been Professor of Biopharmacy.
Five people applied for the position of the Rector of the University of Eastern Finland. Three of them were invited to an interview, after which two were shortlisted as finalists. The finalists shared their visions of the University of Eastern Finland in 2030 on videos that were made available to the academic community for comments.
The university's Board also decided to open a call for the university's new Academic Rector. The Academic Rector works in partnership with the Rector and is responsible for matters relating to teaching and research. The call will be opened on 13 June.
For further information, please contact:
Chair of the UEF Board Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, tel. +358 50 337 712
Rector Jukka Mönkkönen, tel. +358 29 445 8001
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