The Supervisory Board is delighted that Geurts will continue in his role as Rector Magnificus and member of the Executive Board. His combination of analytical and creative thinking, his vision on science and education, and his connecting, dialogue-oriented style are widely appreciated.
Ron Teerlink, chair of the Supervisory Board, about the reappointment: “Jeroen Geurts is an inspiring figure who can convincingly present a strong vision and who demonstrates energetic commitment to VU Amsterdam and its core values. He brings a very personal touch to the role of rector. We are delighted that, after 15 January 2026, he will continue to lead the university in facing complex challenges, together with the other members of the Executive Board.”
Geurts on his reappointment: “I am grateful for the trust placed in me for a second term. Over the past years, I have worked with dedication and joy on the development of our wonderful university. Together we have taken important steps in education, research and societal impact. We have fostered a culture of recognition and rewards, giving space to different talents. With the establishment of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), we have firmly put educational innovation on the map and strengthened support for our lecturers in their professional growth. And through our annual theme and our new Institutional Plan for 2026–2030, we show how vital global citizenship is: shaping students and staff who not only acquire knowledge, but also learn to relate to themselves, to others and to the world around them in an open, critical and responsible way.
The past years have at the same time been intense, at moments confronting, but also hopeful. It is precisely in this dynamic that the strength of VU lies: a place where we learn to engage with difference, with contradiction, with complexity: in dialogue. In this second term, I want to continue working towards an academic community that shapes critical, engaged global citizens; for that is needed now more than ever.”
The reappointment was preceded by a broad 360-degree feedback process, with input from a wide group of staff and student representatives who regularly work with the rector. The results of this process support the conclusions of the Supervisory Board and demonstrate that the reappointment can count on support. The Joint Assembly (GV) has advised positively on the proposed reappointment decision.