Thank you for 18 years as dean, Ole Skøtt!

There were speeches, words of thanks and plenty of reunions when colleagues and partners gathered on Friday to mark Ole Skøtt’s departure as dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The reception marked the end of 18 years with Ole Skøtt at the helm of SUND. He took up the position as dean in 2008, and since then the faculty has developed significantly in both size and academic breadth. At the same time, its collaboration with the healthcare sector has grown closer.

In his speech at the reception, Rector Jens Ringsmose highlighted the significant mark Ole Skøtt has left on both SUND and the rest of SDU. Among other things, he emphasised Ole Skøtt’s dedication, academic acumen and ability to see the university as a whole – as well as his decency and integrity as a leader.

As Jens Ringsmose put it, Ole Skøtt is now handing over the faculty "in better shape than when you took it over".

- For me, Friday’s farewell reception was an overwhelming experience. Both because so many current and former colleagues, family members and friends attended, and because of the many excellent and deeply moving speeches, which meant a great deal to me. I am stepping down as dean with peace of mind. I feel completely confident handing over the reins to Jakob Grauslund, who is already well under way, and I wish you all the very best for the future, says Ole Skøtt.

From dean to developing new degree programmes

Although Ole Skøtt stepped down as dean on 31 August, the reception was not a final goodbye to him at SDU.

From 1 September, he continues as a consultant focusing on SDU’s upcoming dentistry and dental hygiene degree programmes. Ole Skøtt himself has highlighted the establishment of these programmes as an important part of SUND’s continued academic development.

This work will take place within the new Department of Clinical and Preventive Dentistry. Here, Ole Skøtt will contribute to establishing the department and the new degree programmes.

So while his time as dean has come to an end, some of his work will continue.

A big thank you

Friday’s reception was an opportunity to officially say goodbye – and, above all, to say thank you for 18 years as dean.

Thank you for the significant mark you have left on SUND and SDU.

And fortunately, it is not quite goodbye just yet.