31 Oct 2024 / The school and employees

Lene Tanggaard resigns

Lene Tanggaard resigns as rector of Kolding School of Design after five successful years
By Charlotte Melin

After more than five years as Rector of Kolding School of Design, Lene Tanggaard has decided to step down from her position effective 1 March 2025 to assume a full-time professorship at Aalborg University.

Lene Tanggaard took on the role as Rector 1 January 2020 with a clear mandate to lead a comprehensive transformation of Kolding School of Design. Under her leadership, funding was secured for modernising the school’s buildings, research was significantly strengthened, and graduate unemployment was reduced. These goals have now been achieved, and the school stands strong on all fronts.

A Challenging Transformation
The modernisation of the school’s buildings was accomplished under extraordinarily challenging conditions. First came the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war in Europe, which led to delays and material shortages. Finally, rising inflation added further pressure to the project. Despite these challenging circumstances, the transformation was completed, resulting in modern facilities designed with a focus on both well-being and learning – an ideal environment for creative exploration.

Research and External Funding
Since her appointment, Kolding School of Design has also strengthened its position as one of Denmark's leading institutions in design research. Through strong partnerships with companies and external funding, research has seen marked progress. As a result, 40% of the school’s funding now comes from external sources – the highest percentage in the school’s history.

Gratitude and Future Prospects
Lene Tanggaard reflects on her time as Rector with great satisfaction:

- I am deeply grateful for the five fantastic and hard-working years I have had as Rector. We have achieved a great deal together, and now, with the school standing so strong, I think it is the right time to pass on the baton. During my time here, I have met wonderful colleagues, staff and students whom I will miss immensely, and I will always carry the school in my heart.


Chair of the Board of Directors, Nanna Gudum, also expresses her gratitude:

- We owe Lene Tanggaard a huge thank you for her visionary leadership and tireless work through a challenging period. Her efforts have been crucial in securing the school’s strong position today. She has guided us through substantial changes with impressive results, and we wish her all the best for the future.

Although Lene Tanggaard looks forward to new challenges at Aalborg University, she hopes to continue collaborating with Kolding School of Design, which she describes as a jewel in Danish higher education.

The Board of Directors of Kolding School of Design will now begin the process of finding a new Rector who can continue the positive development achieved during Lene Tanggaard’s leadership.