Farewell Henk Kummeling: Education is always the answer
Henk Kummeling has been Utrecht University鈥檚 Rector Magnificus since 2018. He will be stepping down as the Rector Magnificus on 26 March 2025, which is why he was a guest writer for the column in the latest Illuster.
Education is always the answer
Whatever the question is, education is the answer. This statement has been attributed to so many people that it could almost be considered universal wisdom. And it鈥檚 true. Education is the key to escaping poverty, managing overpopulation and combating conflicts and wars.
As the Rector Magnificus, I have always strived to emphasise the importance of education. Although the focus on this was already a strong focus at our university, it was possible to put education in the spotlight even more. Research was too often seen as the benchmark of quality and academic careers. Research is crucial, of course; it鈥檚 what our education is based on. However, it seemed that universities throughout the world had forgotten that, historically, education has been their first raison d鈥櫭猼re. Education enables us to make the biggest difference socially.
In Utrecht, we have all the basic conditions in place to provide good education. We have the Centre for Academic Teaching and Learning (CAT), which provides training courses for teachers and guides educational innovations, and we also ensure our alumni are able to continue learning in their professional lives via .
Education is focusing less and less on traditional knowledge transfer. Information is available in immeasurable quantities via a few thumb clicks and the crucial questions now are: how reliable is this information? How do we find out how reliable this information is? The university is also being confronted with another complex issue: the willingness to have a frank discussion about the reliability of this information. I am seeing more and more students and lecturers getting trapped in echo chambers of like-minded people on social media. Dialogue with dissenters is happening less. This development is undermining the essence of an open academic culture, which calls for the discussion of various different perspectives. An open dialogue, raising observations for discussion and not being afraid to look at them from a different point of view are all crucial if academia is to be able to move forward.
It was possible to put education in the spotlight even more
Under the Higher Education and Research Act (WHW), the university鈥檚 remit is not limited to educating students academically but also includes instilling a sense of social responsibility in them. Let鈥檚 work together to create a university where openness and the courage to consider other perspectives are the norm. Education is our most powerful tool.
Farewell gift
Henk Kummeling will be stepping down as the Rector Magnificus during the 389th anniversary of Utrecht University, on 26 March 2025. He has indicated that instead of a personal gift, he would prefer a contribution to the Equal Opportunities Fund of the Utrecht University Fund.
Our society faces significant themes and challenges. That鈥檚 why we need today鈥檚 students so much. They are the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. Sometimes they require our financial support. A small or large contribution from this scholarship program can make a substantial difference.
On behalf of Henk Kummeling, thank you very much.
In November 2024, this column appeared in Illuster - Utrecht University's alumni magazine. Illuster features the university, its alumni, students and staff in interviews, articles and background stories.