TU Dortmund University has a new head of administration: the University Council and the Senate elected Markus Neuhaus, Director of the Corporate Center Human Resources, by a large majority as Chancellor. He convinced the University Elective Assembly with his many years of experience in managing large administrative units, his service-oriented attitude towards academia and his calm personality.

“I am delighted that in Markus Neuhaus, TU Dortmund University has been able to appoint a chancellor who is genuinely committed to the success of the university,” said Prof. Johanna Weber, Chair of the University Council. As head of the search committee, she first reported at the assembly on the selection process for the successor to Albrecht Ehlers, who retired at the end of 2023. More than 30 applications had been received in response to the job advertisement. The ten-member search committee shortlisted three particularly qualified applicants and ultimately unanimously nominated Markus Neuhaus as the candidate.

President Manfred Bayer warmly congratulated his new Rectorate colleague: “I look forward to continuing to work together in a spirit of trust in the new role, both for TU Dortmund University and for the University Alliance Ruhr.” Prof. Lorenz Schwachhöfer, Chairman of the Senate, also conveyed his congratulations on the election: “There is probably no other person at this university who knows the people who work here in research, teaching and administration so well. I wish him every success in his new tasks.”

Two goals as new chancellor

“I am very much looking forward to continuing to shape the university’s administration in my new position,” said Markus Neuhaus. “Two goals are important to me: firstly, TU Dortmund University should be one of the most attractive employers in the region. Secondly, the administration should offer fast, reliable and proactive services for research and teaching.” Born in Werl, Markus Neuhaus joined the HR department of the former University of Dortmund in 1996 as a newly graduated public administrator. He became Head of Section in 2004 and Deputy Director in 2010. He has headed the Corporate Center Human Resources since 2020. He very credibly gave the committee the impression that the university is his “second home”.

At universities in North Rhine-Westphalia, the chancellors are at the top of the administration and are members of the rectorate. Like the other members of the Rectorate, they are elected by the University Elective Assembly, which at TU Dortmund University is made up of the eight members of the University Council and the 27 members of the Senate. Markus Neuhaus received 87 percent of the votes in the election for Chancellor. He was elected for a term of office of eight years. Before taking office, the Ministry of Culture and Science NRW must present him with his certificate of appointment.