Anka Mulder explains why she is resigning from the board of directors of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH)
Anka Mulder recently decided to step down from the board of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH) at the end of November. A role she has fulfilled with great energy and commitment in recent years. In this news item, she explains her reasons for stepping down.
After four and a half years on the board of the Netherlands Association of Universities of Applied Sciences (VH), I decided two weeks ago to step down from the VH board as of 29 November 2024. This decision was made public last week and I have noticed since then that some suggestive conclusions have been drawn in SaxNow about my decision. I would like to correct them. In my opinion, these remarks are bad for both the VH and for Saxion. Therefore, I am happy to explain my decision once again.
In recent years, I have devoted a great deal of energy to the association. On the one hand for the general societal importance of higher professional education, and on the other hand specifically for my portfolios, research and the SDGs.
During my time on the board, I have fought hard for the provision of good higher professional education in every region of the Netherlands, as well as in regions close to our borders. I have always seen this as something that is in the interest of all of us. I would like to achieve more in this area than is currently the case. I understand you can look at things from different perspectives. However, I find it difficult to take responsibility as a VH board member for the lack of concrete solutions for every region of the Netherlands.
I look back fondly on my time as member of the board. Also on my own portfolio, the research and the SDGs. I think that together, as a board and as an association, we have achieved a lot over the years and we should be proud of that.
There are some tough issues ahead for higher education. The Study Extension Penalty and the Balanced Internationalisation bill (WIB) are just two examples. I wish us as an association, and particularly the board, the best of luck for the time ahead. Last week’s demonstration against the Study Extension Penalty shows that we are prepared to act together.
It has been an honour to serve the UAS community as a member of the VH board. I would like to thank the board, members and external partners for their cooperation and trust.