‘Deep down, there’s a Brabander in me’

New in town! How did you land? What are your first impressions?

‘I have landed in a very accessible and informal organisation. That makes it easy for me to get to know many colleagues in a short time. What immediately struck me is that everyone who works here is really intrinsically motivated. And that there are relatively few rules and protocols. That comes with advantages, but also disadvantages.’

We will talk about that. But first, did our campus take some getting used to?

‘I felt at home from day one. It really is a very inspiring environment. I did have to get used to the fact that here – if I walk away from my desk for a while – I can just leave my phone and laptop.’ 

Do you have a thing for Breda? You’re from Rotterdam, right?

‘You’re right. I call the vibrant heart of Rotterdam home. It’s a melting pot of around 150 nationalities, which is quite the change. Now, my mission is to get to know Breda as quickly as possible. I’ve already been to a NAC match. The atmosphere in the city appeals to me a lot. And you know what? I think that, deep down, there is a Brabander in me. You’ll find me on campus every day. The Work Hard, Play Hard ethos resonates with me. Successes are celebrated here. I like that so much! That sense of togetherness helps you move forward.’ 

Different from Rotterdam, from what I hear you say?

‘Don’t get me wrong – I genuinely appreciate both environments! But I did intentionally choose something different. Howest University of Applied Sciences and BUas were right at the top of my list. They have a similar character. The opportunity at BUas felt like the perfect next step for me. It’s a progressive university of applied sciences, and what stands out is everyone’s commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.’ 

And what then, in your opinion, is an inclusive learning environment?

‘Every student is different and that is just the way it should be! In my view, an inclusive learning environment involves acknowledging that each student has a unique learning style, and our role as educators is to guide students along their distinctive learning paths. Rather than providing teaching materials in a one-size-fits-all manner (as was once customary), we should offer students a variety of options. Some may thrive learning from traditional textbooks, while others prefer hands-on assignments. By allowing students to choose their own learning path and facilitating their preferences, we create a more inclusive setting. There are different ways to achieve your learning goals. And those learning goals may not be so unambiguous anymore either.’

Why’s that?

‘We no longer educate for a profession that you do all your life and always stays the same. The world is changing faster than ever. I mean, my parents did the same job all their lives, the biggest change they experienced was when the typewriter was replaced by the computer. I may be exaggerating a bit, but you know what I mean. Change is happening at such a rapid pace now, we have to help our students keep up by teaching them how to navigate.’  

The compass in students’ backpacks. Board President Jorrit used that metaphor at the BUas Education Day. So this means we stay on course?

‘But also – or especially – we need to be agile. This means paying attention to personal growth and honing soft skills. Students have quite a lot to deal with. Cultivating these human-centric abilities is becoming paramount to keeping up with the times.’ 

And what’s in your backpack? What are you taking with you to BUas?

‘Exactly what you are doing now. Being direct. More directness, more straightforwardness – count me in. I believe there’s room for even greater clarity, without crossing into bluntness. This also applies to recording and describing processes. As I just said, rules and protocols come with advantages and disadvantages. I am used to a more systematic approach, one that uses the same tools across the entire organisation. In my experience, this streamlined approach reduces work pressure. From a management perspective, there are still gains to be made, I think.’ 

That sounds paradoxical. Just now you said BUas is so progressive?

‘Absolutely! When it comes to course content, BUas is really innovative, delving deep into very important themes. What I love about this institute is that the subject areas are strongly interconnected. And yet each academy has its own distinct and recognisable identity. I firmly believe that even if academies collaborate more closely than they already do, we need not fear losing that unique essence. In fact, that’s precisely what I am going to champion.’ 

So putting even greater focus on a cross-domain approach?

‘We simply need each other. We get together with all academy directors every week to see where we can help or strengthen each other. After all, together we are stronger. Look, it would be a great shame if we were to merge with an institute like Avans, for example, but with our 7,000 students we do really have a rightful existence and the potential to make a real impact. In my academy, too, I want to see if I can intensify cooperation between the two domains even further to increase our impact.’

You’re on campus a lot, you said. And when you’re not there? Do you have time for anything else? 

‘I do quite a bit of board work, including for Stichting Student Pride Nederland and for Feyenoord’s supporters’ association Roze Kameraden. I have a season ticket, so I can be found at De Kuip a lot. But I definitely want to watch NAC more often too. Hopefully they will play in the Eredivisie again soon!’ 

Interview: Maaike Dukker-’t Hart