Christian Schellhardt elected as new Head of Administration

"We have made a good and very clear choice from a large number of interesting applications," explains the chair of the University Council, Professor Margarete Götz, who chaired the committee to find the Head of Administration. "In Christian Schellhardt, we have found an experienced and professionally acting administrative and financial expert who will strengthen the Presidium competently and in a solution-oriented manner in all upcoming challenges for the University of Erfurt."

Christian Schellhardt is not a stranger to the University of Erfurt. He came to the university in 2010 as an employee of the planning, controlling and procurement staff unit and took over as its head in 2014. Since 2020, the 43-year-old has been Head of Department 5: University Planning, Controlling and Procurement, and has been the Head of Administration's permanent deputy since 2017. In this capacity, he had also led the office on an interim basis since the departure of Jörg Brauns.

University President Professor Walter Bauer-Wabnegg is convinced: "With Christian Schellhardt, we are not only gaining an expert on the University of Erfurt and the Thuringian higher education landscape, but also someone who is aware of the field of tension in which university administrations must operate today. Whether it's university construction, financial as well as human resources, competition between universities or the constant change and expansion of administrative tasks – Christian Schellhardt enjoys my complete trust and I am pleased that he will now continue on his way as Head of Administration together with his colleagues in the Presidium to help shape the future of our university."

The Head of Administration is a member of the Presidium. He is responsible for the budget. His term of office is eight years, re-election is possible. The position was advertised publicly. In accordance with the State Higher Education Act, the election was held by the University Assembly, which is formed by the Senate and the University Council. In preparation for the election, a search committee had prepared corresponding election proposals, which required the agreement of the President. Immediately before the election, the candidates presented themselves in person to the University Assembly. Before Christian Schellhardt can officially take office, he still has to be appointed by the Ministry.