This summer, Dr Wiltrud Christine Radau was elected asthenew Chancellor of Ulm Universityby an overwhelming majority. The lawyer has now decided not to take up this post. The decision was reached following a constructive dialogue with Ulm University. The post will therefore be re-advertised. In the meantime, Heidi Krolopp, Deputy Chancellor of Ulm University, will continue to manage day-to-day affairs.
Dr Wiltrud Christine Radau has decided to remain at the University of Bonn, where the 56-year-old lawyer heads the ‘Academic and Legal Affairs’ division. Dr Radau’s home university, which has been funded for many years under the federal and state Excellence Strategy, had made her a corresponding counter-offer. Another reason for choosing to remain at her current place of work was the significant structural differences in the terms and conditions between her current permanent position under private law and a fixed-term civil service post, as offered by the Chancellor’s Office. “I was delighted to be elected Chancellor and by the trust that Ulm University has placed in me,” said Radau. “The decision was a very difficult one for me. Ulm University is a fantastic institution, which is in an excellent position and will undoubtedly achieve a great deal more.”
University President Professor Michael Kühl emphasised: “We deeply regret Wiltrud Christine Radau’s decision, but we also understand her reasons. These are entirely understandable. We wish Dr Radau all the best.” The post of Chancellor of Ulm University will be advertised shortly. In the meantime, Heidi Krolopp, Head of the Legal, Organisation and Marketing Division, will continue to manage affairs in her capacity as Deputy Chancellor.
During her introduction in Ulm at the end of July, Dr Wiltrud Christine Radau had impressed the Senate and the Supervisory Board with her understanding of her role as a ‘strategic enabler’ and secured all votes but one, which was an abstention. The post became vacant after Dieter Kaufmann retired following 21 years as Chancellor of Ulm University. The Chancellor is a full-time member of the Executive Board, heads the administration and is legally accountable for the university’s budget.
Further information, press releases and media enquiries: Christine Liebhardt, Head of Press and Public Relations at Ulm University, email: christine.liebhardt(at)uni-ulm.de, tel.: (0731) 50 22121