Anton Pijpers’ term as President of the Executive Board has ended, Vice President Margot van der Starre temporarily takes over
Anton Pijpers, President of the Executive Board, left Utrecht University on 1 November. After eleven years as a member of the board – first as Vice President and for the past eight years as President – Pijpers has now retired. His successor, Hans Brug, will start on 1 January. Until then, Margot van der Starre, Vice President of the Executive Board, will act as President.
Van der Starre, Vice President of the Board since 2021, about her temporary role: Rector Magnificus Wilco Hazeleger and I believe that in these turbulent times it is particularly important to continue to provide stability and ensure continuity. For the benefit of this stability, I am happy to take on the role of President until the end of this calendar year.
Connection
If Anton Pijpers has one wish for the future of the university, it is that the investment in connection will continue. ‘How do you keep the community involved and connected with each other? I have always put a lot of energy into connection. With this, I have a deep belief that everyone matters. Everyone has a different role, but no one is more important than anyone else; everyone's contribution and voice are equally valuable.’
Connection with and being meaningful to society are also emphasised by the departing President as important points of attention, for which he refers to Utrecht University's Strategic Plan. ‘As a university, we are part of society and we can and must show our value there more clearly. The theme of the upcoming lustrum, “Collaboration in the city and region”, offers great opportunities for this.’
It hurts a little
‘I love this organisation dearly and have devoted a large part of my life to it, but I am leaving with peace of mind. There are so many good, professional and committed people here; it would be strange if it couldn't succeed without me. It's also good that others are coming in with new ideas. That's better for the organisation.’ But despite his peace of mind, saying goodbye does hurts a little. ‘I am pretty good at letting go, but I'm really going to miss my colleagues. And the students too, for that matter.’
Anton Pijpers
Anton Pijpers (1958) studied Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University (UU) from 1976 onwards. After graduating, he worked as a veterinarian. In 1990, he obtained his PhD from UU, and there, in 1993, he was appointed professor of Veterinary Pharmacy and in 1996 professor of Poultry Health Care. Between 2000 and 2009, Pijpers was general director of the Animal Health Service. In 2009, he returned to the university as dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Pijpers has been a member of the Executive Board since 1 April 2014, first in the role of Vice President and, since 1 October 2017, as President.