Keijo Virtanen to continue as the Rector of the University of Turku
Professor of Cultural History Keijo Virtanen will continue in his post as the Rector of the University of Turku until 31 June 2012. The new Board of the University elected the Rector at a meeting held on Tuesday 29 September.
- This choice reflects both change and continuity. The change is represented by the new key persons in the administration and the new board who will take an active role in the university administration. Electing Keijo Virtanen as the Rector brings continuity which supports and benefits the university during the transition period, explains Hannu Kokkonen, Chairman of the Board.
The University of Turku and Turku School of Economics will merge on 1 January 2010 when the new Universities Act comes into effect.
- The University will face new demands. It must be even faster, more flexible and unprejudiced in reacting to both internal and external changes. Strategic work in co-operation with the Board, and realizing the strategy in our everyday work is of utmost importance in order for the University of Turku to continue to be known as an international, multidisciplinary science university, states Rector Keijo Virtanen.
Professor of Cultural History Keijo Virtanen, 64, has served as the Rector of the University of Turku since 1 June 1997. Before this, he served as a vice rector of the University for four years.
Virtanen is a member of the Research and Innovation Council chaired by the Prime Minister, and has also contributed in several task forces of the Ministry of Education and the Academy of Finland.
Alongside his administrative duties Virtanen has continued to work in his own study fields by releasing publications, serving as a chair of a graduate school, opponent and expert in applications for offices, as well as being a part of the editorial staff of international publication series.
During his time as the Rector, Virtanen has established viable connections to public corporations as well as private sector operators essential to the university.