An unanimous preparation group decided in the spring of 2023 to nominate Professor Lina Bjerneld and Senior Lecturer Björn Larsson to share the Vice-Chancellor’s assignment at the Royal Institute of Art. The assignment, which has also been accepted by both candidates, was confirmed by the university’s board at a board meeting in early June.
The Vice-Chancellor’s assignment has gradually been reduced from 125 percent to 50 percent and includes the role of Deputy Chancellor, as before. The current Vice-Chancellors’ appointments expire in the summer of 2023.
Chancellor Sanne Kofod Olsen notes that with the confirmation of the two Vice-Chancellors, the university completes the final step of the organizational change initiated in 2021.
“With Lina Bjerneld and Björn Larsson, we get a strong artistic representation in the Chancellor’s council while also benefiting from previous experiences and knowledge as Björn continues in his role as Vice-Chancellor.”
Lina Bjerneld’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chancellor is at 20 percent and also includes responsibility for the teacher proposal committee. Björn Larsson’s appointment as Vice-Chancellor is at 30 percent with responsibilities for the scholarship committee and the university’s quality assurance work.
Björn Larsson has previously shared the position of Vice-Chancellor with Senior Lecturer Fredrik Ehlin, who, as his lecturing position expires at the turn of the year, cannot be re-elected. Fredrik Ehlin has been active at the university for almost ten years – in various roles and leadership positions – and will continue as the project leader for the refurbishment of the Royal Institute of Art’s premises on Skeppsholmen.
Sanne Kofod Olsen describes significant and extensive work, including a longer period as Acting Chancellor.
“I would like to extend a special thank you to Fredrik Ehlin for his significant contributions to the Royal Institute of Art and personally thank him for the generous and knowledgeable handover he has provided since I assumed the position of Chancellor at the turn of the year.”
The selection of the Vice-Chancellor at the Royal Institute of Art is prepared by an internal working group consisting of a professor, a senior lecturer/adjunct lecturer, a student, and a non-teaching administrative staff member. The selection of teachers for the preparation group is done in the respective academic boards, the selection of the student representative is managed through Club Mejan, and the selection of the non-teaching administrative staff member is done within the management group of the administration.
The appointment as Vice-Chancellor is a time-limited assignment for two years, with the possibility of extension for up to two more years. The position is to be given to a qualified, Swedish-speaking individual who holds a teaching position as a senior lecturer or professor at the Royal Institute of Art.
The Vice-Chancellor is an adjunct member of the board and is part of the Royal Institute of Art’s executive council, as well as the Chancellor’s council. When the Vice-Chancellor acts as the Deputy Chancellor, additional responsibilities and decision-making authority concerning the overall activities and other tasks resting on the Chancellor are added.