Philippe Hiligsmann, the University of Luxembourg’s newly appointed vice rector for academic and student affairs, is an “internationally recognised expert in foreign language education,” read a from the university issued on 23 July 2024. Hiligsmann, who will succeed , will take up his new post on 1 November.

Léglu, who came to the grand duchy from the University of Reading in England and became vice rector in 2019, remains a full professor of medieval Occitan and French studies at the University of Luxembourg.

Experience in Belgium

Hiligsmann previously worked at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, where he was a linguist for more than a dozen years. Since 2019, Hiligsmann has been vice rector for student affairs at Louvain.

He “brings with him proven management experience at a top research university. His career has been marked by a constant commitment to students and quality of teaching," notes the University of Luxembourg. “As vice rector for academic affairs of the University of Luxembourg, Prof. Hiligsmann will support the university’s teaching mission at the level of bachelor’s, master’s and continuing education. His portfolio will also cover the integration of new technologies into the university’s study programmes, such as artificial intelligence, as well as the overall quality of the student experience.”

“His strategic and innovative vision, his experience and his collaborative spirit will be invaluable assets for our academic community,” commented , rector of the University of Luxembourg.

Three vice rectors

“The vice rector for academic affairs plays a crucial role in overseeing the higher education programmes, in particular the bachelor’s and master’s programmes, continuing professional education and lifelong learning programmes offered at the university,” states the Uni on its website. Its mission “is to encourage quality and innovation in learning and teaching.”

German researcher Kreisel, 55, has been the university’s rector since last year. He is supported by a vice rector for research, Simone P. Niclou, a vice rector for partnerships and international relations, Marie-Hélène Jobin, and a vice rector for academic and student affairs, soon to be Philippe Hiligsmann.

This article was originally published in .