The new dean has been appointed by an appointment committee headed by the rector. Thomas Pallesen has been head of the Department of Political Science and Government since 2009, and from 2005-2009 he was director of studies at the department.

“Thomas has a distinguished academic profile, and he has proven that he knows how to lead and inspire university employees in the best possible way. Aarhus BSS is still in the process of settling into the new structures, and Thomas’ extensive knowledge of the academic environments and the reform processes will be a great advantage,” says Rector Brian Bech Nielsen.

The appointment committee also emphasises the fact that Thomas Pallesen has demonstrated broad academic range in his work.

“We have been very attentive to the fact that Aarhus BSS accommodates a wide range of disciplines, which places great demands on the new dean. Thomas brings a lot of experience to the table from his positions in the public sector and research stays abroad. This combined with his research on public administration and management tells us that he has all the right qualifications for taking up the position as dean,” says Brian Bech Nielsen, who is looking forward to cooperating with the new dean.

Thomas Pallesen was appointed professor of public administration in 2007. In his research and teaching he has focused on topics such as (de)centralisation, outsourcing, the significance of financial incentives and motivation of professionals. He is currently involved in a project financed by Velux in which he collaborates with researchers from the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, Department of Management and Department of Political Science. The project examines the significance of employee involvement and is conducted in cooperation with the Central Denmark Region and the Regional Hospital Central Jutland.

In recent years, Aarhus BSS has been through several processes of reorganisation, and the new structure is almost in place. Thomas Pallesen will continue the work to implement this new structure in dialogue with the other members of the faculty management team and the employees.

“Aarhus BSS has a solid foundation. We produce a lot of graduates who secure well-paid jobs in the private and public sector, we have a range of excellent research environments, and we have secured durable ties with the business community and outside world – but there are still challenges that need to be dealt with. I therefore would like to encourage especially the employees at Aarhus BSS to engage in a productive discussion about how we can get our faculty to operate as smoothly as possible,” says Thomas Pallesen.

One of his first tasks as dean will be as chairman of the appointment committee to appoint three heads of departments. The two positions as head of the Department of Economics and Business Economics and the Department of Management have been advertised. Moreover, Thomas Pallesen will also have to find a replacement for his position as head of the Department of Political Science.

Thomas Pallesen replaces Dean Svend Hylleberg, who will be stepping down on 30 June.