How does it feel?
“I feel truly happy and full of expectations. All sorts of thoughts occur, all at the same time, from very specific issues such as the optimal way of getting organised to feeling overwhelmed by the responsibility and honour of being appointed.”
Thinking of your previous role, particularly as Dean of the Faculty of Languages, how will you take those experiences forward into your new role?
“What I have learned is that it is our staff and students who are the University’s greatest and most crucial resource. Being in charge means creating the best conditions and generating motivation in those engaged in research and education.”
The greatest challenge so far?
“It’s a challenge to gain a sufficiently good overview of – and insight into – all parts of the University. However, there are several of us in this and we can help each other out, both in the academic domains and in the administration, so there is solid continuity.
“Anders and I have found time to talk a few times and working together already feels natural. And let me also say that today’s meeting with the University Board gave me a lot of energy and extra enthusiasm ahead of the role!”
Coco Norén is Professor of French at the Department of Modern Languages. She has been Dean of the Faculty of Languages since 2014 and has just started her third term as dean.