After more than two years as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Nina Smith is returning to research and education.On 1 August, she takes up an appointment as Professor at the School of Economics and Management, Faculty of Social Sciences.

“I’ve had two very exciting and challenging years as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Aarhus University.We succeeded in getting through a major merger process, and the university is now very strong in the fields of both education and research.I’ll miss the many committed members of staff I’ve worked with.However, I’m very much looking forward to getting back to research and lecturing duties as a Professor at the School of Economics and Management at Aarhus University.I also look forward to helping to build up a strong research environment in the economics of education, as well as continuing my research into welfare and labour market economics,” says Professor Smith.

The Faculty of Social Sciences is delighted at the prospect of presenting Nina Smith as a new Professor at the School of Economics and Management.

“Nina Smith is a very competent and highly respected economist, and I’m very pleased to be able to add her to the staff at the School of Economics and Management.I’m convinced that the school and Aarhus University will gain an even stronger international stance in terms of both research and education, and Nina Smith is, of course, an excellent communicator,” says Dean Svend Hylleberg.

The Vice-Chancellor’s Office is very sorry to see the departure of such a skilled Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

“I’ve been incredibly pleased with the close collaboration with Nina Smith.She’s made an enormous effort throughout the whole period, particularly in the academic field.It’s partly thanks to her that Aarhus University has now advanced to the European elite in international education collaboration – recently manifested by Aarhus University being awarded the EU Commission’s ECTS label.As Pro-Vice-Chancellor, she’s been a major asset to the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and the whole of Aarhus University,” says Vice-Chancellor Lauritz B.Holm-Nielsen.

“It’s a shame that the Vice-Chancellor’s Office now has to say farewell to Nina Smith.At the same time, it’s a natural step in her career that she’s now chosen to concentrate on her research.There’s no doubt that through her research, teaching and excellent skills in relaying complex socio-economic issues, Nina Smith will continue to be an asset to Aarhus University and especially to society.I wish her all the best in her new job at the School of Economics and Management,” says the Vice-Chancellor.

The University Board is also sorry that Nina Smith is now leaving the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

“We’ve been extremely satisfied with our working relationship with Nina Smith.She’s really succeeded in highlighting the university in a time of considerable change for the Danish universities and major tasks for the university management,” says Jens Bigum, Chair of the Board.

Nina Smith takes up her appointment as Professor at the School of Economics and Management on 1 August.Aarhus University expects to advertise the position of Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs after the summer holidays.

More information

Pro-Vice-Chancellor Nina Smith, +45 2778 2870
Dean Svend Hylleberg, +45 2338 2020
Vice-Chancellor Lauritz B.Holm-Nielsen, +45 2338 2126
Chair of the Board Jens Bigum, +45 2014 4155
Head of Press Affairs Anders Correll, +45 2899 2235

29 June 2009

Rasmus Stensgaard
Communication Office
rst@adm.au.dk