Tjalling Halbertsma new dean University of Groningen/Campus Fryslân

Prof. Tjalling Halbertsma will be appointed as dean of UG/Campus Fryslân as of June 1. Halbertsma succeeds interim dean Prof. Caspar van den Berg, who will become president of the umbrella organization Universities of the Netherlands. Halbertsma is professor by special appointment of International Studies with a special focus on East Asia, facilitated by the Groningen University Fund.

Halbertsma has been with the UG/Faculty of Arts since 2013, where he teaches International Relations with a focus on East Asia, among other subjects. He is also affiliated with the interfaculty Center for East Asian Studies Groningen. Prior to his appointment at the UG, Halbertsma spent many years working in China and Mongolia.

Halbertsma is looking forward to contributing to the further development of Campus Fryslân from his international experience: "I have come to know Campus Fryslân as a place where broadening and renewal of education and research are given every opportunity. Campus Fryslân's approach of linking global challenges to local solutions from a social commitment is a good example of this. Campus Fryslân can of course only do this in cooperation with our regional partners and the university's ten other faculties."

Prof. Jouke de Vries, President of the UG Executive Board, on the appointment: "I am delighted to welcome Tjalling Halbertsma as the new Dean of Campus Fryslân of the RUG. With his international experience and through his social commitment, he will make a valuable contribution to the further development of our campus. The Executive Board looks forward to achieving new successes together with him and the entire team of Campus Fryslân."

Prof. Mr. Tjalling Halbertsma: "Campus Fryslân has in a short time built up an outstanding reputation for excellent education and research. The campus' beautiful faculty building is one of the university's finest facilities - and brimming with ambition. I am convinced that Campus Fryslân can continue to grow into a meaningful, strong faculty and feel fortunate to be part of that. That the faculty is located in Fryslân naturally makes the heart beat faster."