A new academic year and a new face on the Executive Board. Since 17 August, Marcel Wintels has been serving as an interim member and Vice-Chair of the Executive Board. He brings extensive leadership experience in education and other public and semi-public organisations to VU Amsterdam. We get to know him through three short questions: what struck him during his first few weeks, what will he be focusing on, and who is he outside work?
You have just started as an interim member and Vice-Chair of the Executive Board at VU Amsterdam. What struck you during your first few days?
"What struck me straight away was how warm and people-centred my welcome was. The atmosphere is open, personal and accessible. I am getting to know a great many people at a rapid pace, but in a very relaxed and enjoyable way. There is a real sense of care and consideration for others. As a result, it already feels as though I have been here much longer. Everything was also exceptionally well prepared: from the handover and key documents to the organisational and financial matters. Of course, there will always be areas that require attention, but as a newcomer I can also see how much is already well organised here. The foundations are strong. Another thing that has struck me is just how much VU Amsterdam has to be proud of. This university has a certain modesty about it, but I believe it could do more to showcase the excellent education, research and societal impact being achieved here. The world should see what VU Amsterdam is doing!
And then there is the campus: I love seeing it so full of students. Some are taking their first steps here, while others already know VU Amsterdam well and are returning to familiar surroundings after the summer. That sense of energy, with everything close together on one campus, creates a very special atmosphere. It also made me think back to my own student days, which are quite a long time ago now. Sometimes I wish I could be at that point again: young, at the beginning of my studies and career, with the world at my feet and so many possibilities ahead. If I were to choose a degree programme now, I would probably opt for religious studies. I am fascinated by the ways in which cultures and people relate to one another, and by the profound influence religion has on those relationships. Perhaps I will still get around to it at the end of my career.”
What will you be contributing to over the coming period?
“My primary task is to help ensure progress on the matters already under way. I am taking over Marcel Nollen’s portfolios, with a strong focus on university operations and the many issues that entails. Thanks to my experience as an executive and supervisory board member in large educational organisations, I recognise many of the matters being dealt with here. Every university is different, of course, and VU Amsterdam has its own distinct identity, but there are also many similarities between the governance and organisational challenges they face. This experience enables me to contribute quickly, ask the right questions and add value wherever possible. I will continue to do so for as long as necessary, until a new permanent Vice-Chair has been appointed.”
Finally, what should the VU community know about you? What do you enjoy doing outside work?
“Knowledge, education, sport, teaching and training have been recurring themes throughout my life and career. A few years ago, I made a conscious decision to take two years off. My wife and I spent that time going on long cycling trips across Europe. With two panniers each, we travelled to and through southern Spain and Italy, and also cycled to the North Cape. Our trips would usually last a month or two, after which we would return home for a while to see how everything was going before setting off again. Being active and spending time outdoors and in nature are very important to me. I am highly driven and enjoy working hard, but relaxation, good health, culture and time with my family are at least as important to me. During the first thirty years of my career, life was often about working, working, working, alongside raising a family. At a certain point, I made a very conscious decision to create more space for other things. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle help me stay fit and prevent pressure and stress from taking over. In short, I am a very happy and contented person.”
