The Deans of the four faculties of the University of Eastern Finland have been elected for a term of office that starts at the beginning of 2026. The UEF Board made a decision on the new Deans on 28 March 2025.
The Head of School of Theology, ThD Ilkka Huhta was elected as the Dean of the Philosophical Faculty.
The current Dean, Professor, DSc (Tech.) Kari Lehtinen will continue as the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology.
The current Dean, DSc (Pharm.) Markus Forsberg will continue as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The Head of UEF Law School, DSc (Econ.) Matti Turtiainen was elected as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies.
Two of the Deans will continue for a second term, and two will start their first term.
The UEF Board emphasised, in particular, the experience and strong leadership skills of the deans, as well as their ability to develop the activities of their faculty strategically.
According to the Board, the elected deans are best equipped to lead their faculties in such a way that takes comprehensive and equal account of all fields and academic subjects that are represented in their faculty, observing their specific characteristics in research and education.
It is stated in the grounds of the decision that the strategic vision, development-oriented approach and ability to establish cooperation within and outside the scientific community of the elected deans support the successful performance of the faculties and the reaching of the university’s strategic goals.
In addition, the ability of the elected persons to promote the effective and successful performance of their faculty and their commitment to the development of their faculty through open and inclusive leadership were emphasised in the election.
Deans lead their faculty and are responsible for its development, as well as for ensuring that the faculty’s activities are cost-efficient and successful. Deans are also members of the UEF Leadership Group. The term of office of the new Deans is from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2029.
An internal call for applications for the posts of Vice Deans will begin on 2 April and end on 28 April. The aim is to make the appointments by the end of May. Faculty Councils will be heard on the election of the Vice Deans at their May meetings. Two Vice Deans will be elected to each faculty, one for education and one for research.
