In her last week as President of the Executive Board, Anka Mulder appears on camera one last time to look back on her time at Saxion.
“I have had seven fantastic years,” says Anka about her time at Saxion. A lot happened during those years, she concludes: COVID 19, the Balanced Internationalisation Act (WIB) and demographic developments that affect student intake. During her time as president, Anka put a lot of effort into strengthening Saxion’s collaboration with the University of Twente and the ROCs. That has improved enormously, she says.
Role for the region
As president, she also worked tirelessly to draw attention to the importance of universities of applied sciences for their region. Not only for Saxion, but everywhere in the Netherlands. Anka says she didn’t know how important this was until she started working at Saxion. “A university of applied sciences is important for the region. For students who want to pursue a study programme, but also for the business community. Whether you live in Goes, Amsterdam or Enschede, you have a right to a comprehensive range of study programmes. I believe that is important and I have fought for it. I am glad to see that there is growing awareness of the role that universities of applied sciences play in all regions of the Netherlands.”
Bridging gaps
For many people, the Corona period was a challenging time. But Anka says the invasion of Ukraine was the most difficult thing she has ever experienced. “Many of our students come from Ukraine. After the invasion took place, I spoke to a group of students from Russia and Ukraine. That had an enormous impact on me: how the world turned upside down for those students from one day to the next.” In her farewell interview, Anka shares her concerns about wars as well as polarisation and growing social differences. Between regions or between those with theoretic and practical education. If you study or work at a university of applied sciences there are, of course, things that are beyond your control. For example, wars.” However, universities of applied sciences can play a role in bridging gaps, for example, gaps between regions or between theoretical and practical education, she argues: “At universities of applied sciences, we are both thinkers and doers. We play a connecting role.”
In full flow
Anka looks back fondly on the lively enthusiasm of Saxion students. Her favourite memories are the moments when she saw people ‘in full flow’. She cites the example of students who choose a study programme at Saxion and at some point, while they're on their way to becoming an accountant or a nurse, realise that their chosen programme is 'absolutely right' for them. “I love seeing that. The same goes for colleagues: lecturers, researchers or staff in operational management. When they are on a roll, when they are in full flow,“ says Anka.
Last but not least, we asked Anka to describe Saxion in just three words. And what are her wishes for Saxion for the future. Curious about her answers?
Watch the video:
President of the Executive Board, Anka Mulder is leaving Saxion in April 2025, after more than seven years at the helm. She will be appointed as Vice-President of the Dutch Research Council (NWO) on 1 May 2025.
Videography: Thomas Busschers - Dienst Marketing Communicatie
