His decision to resign is based on both business and personal factors. `I debated long and hard whether I would go on for another few years, since I have put my heart and soul into this university. But, all things considered, I think this is a good time to stop. The UT is going strong - nationally and internationally - after a very difficult period. I won't be leaving behind any problems and that feels good.'
Van Vught looks back at the turbulent times of his tenure: the reorganization of the services sector, the growth of the UT with various new programs, the refocusing of research priorities, the mergers of the faculties, the real estate operation, the fine-tuning of the plans of the three technical universities to become a federation, plus an administrative crisis halfway through his term of office. He adds, `And don't forget the fire (last year in Cubicus, ed.), and its impact on the organization. All major, time-consuming operations that I was privileged enough to be allowed to contribute to. A new era has come for this university in the scope of the sector plan and in further globalization. I think of this moment as a caesura. Time to do something else.'
Van Vught is looking forward to `being able to read a book quietly at home and being at home more often. The combination of rector and chairman is doable, but you do have to be the person for it. It's a heavy double job with a great responsibility, which taxes one heavily. To be honest, after eight years I'd like to stop feeling this heavy pressure for a change. But it's doable as long as you're willing to put everything aside for it. I'll advise the Supervisory Board to maintain this set-up.'
After the mentioned date, Van Vught does not see himself returning to his chair at the faculty of Business and Technology or even considering a different job in the university. Neither will he consider the foreign adventure of serving as a visiting professor in the United States or Australia. About three years ago, rumors that a large Dutch bank wanted to draft him were buzzing about the UT, but that turned out to be false alarm.
Meanwhile, the Supervisory Board is left to seek a successor to Rector Magnificus Frans van Vught, one who will fit the new (soon-to-be drafted) profile for the position.
Trans. Jeroen Latour
