Sebastian Schütze, successor to Heinz Engl in the Rectorate of the University of Vienna from October, about his vision for the future and suitability for managing the largest German-speaking university.
“Die Presse”: Are you actually surprised that you were unanimously elected the new rector of the University of Vienna?
Sebastian Schuetze: Surprised would be saying too much. If I hadn’t seen a real opportunity, I wouldn’t have applied. But of course the outcome is unclear and the process is very complex. I figured I had a chance.
Many in the university community found it surprising that you, an art historian, will head the largest university in the German-speaking world with 90,000 students and 10,000 employees.
Of course, the dimensions are enormous, but that would apply to any new rector. My faculty (historical and cultural studies, note), which I have headed since 2018, is the second largest at the university with 12,000 students and 500 employees. That corresponds to many a smaller university. As a dean, you also have a decent budget. So I have the relevant experience.
You would make the humanities “more visible”, you said after your election. What do you mean?
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