Volker Tolkmitt - The rocking new rector of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences

The economist Volker Tolkmitt (55) was officially inaugurated as the new rector of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences on Monday. He had already received his certificate of appointment in February. Now he accepted the chain of office from the hands of his predecessor Ludwig Hilmer. Minister of Science Sebastian Gemkow (CDU) also took part in the ceremony in the Protestant City Church. The ceremony began rocky - with a rendition of Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill."

The election of Tolkmitt is recognition of his many years of achievement at the university and a great sign of confidence, Gemkow said. With the assumption of office, a new chapter in the history of Mittweida University of Applied Sciences has begun, he said. For more than 150 years, he said, it has stood for innovative spirit and inventiveness.

"Being curious about the future. Trying things out, and doing things differently than elsewhere. Thinking ahead: that's what Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is all about. That is our DNA," said Tolkmitt. The ideas for new courses of study emerge from it, he said. "It promotes research and invention. It creates community, even if something doesn't work right away. I am proud to be rector in this university community."

Tolkmitt had studied economics and business administration in Berlin and earned his doctorate on European integration and financial markets. Since 2006, he has been teaching and researching in Mittweida at the professorship of General Business Administration, primarily on risk and financial management. From 2009 to 2015 he was dean, then prorector education as well as deputy rector. More than 6000 students are enrolled at Mittweida University.