Rector's second term brings renewed leadership and structural changes

The year 2025 is significant also because the Strategic Plan that has guided the academy’s activities for the past five years will conclude in December. Preparations for setting new strategic goals and frameworks for the upcoming period began several months ago.

As a result of these important developments, a decision was made to introduce structural changes and reform the functions of the vice rectors. The previous roles of Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Vice Rector for Development were merged into a single position: Vice Rector For Education and Research. Additionally, the position of Vice Rector for Administration was redefined with an expanded scope and new responsibilities.

Following a public competition, Maiken Kull, who previously served as the academy’s Vice Rector for Research and had long taken on the responsibilities of the Vice Rector for Education, was appointed as the new Vice Rector For Education and Research. Her responsibilities now include the leadership and development of academic, research, and development activities. She oversees the Departments of Aviation Services, Aeronautical Engineering, and Academic Affairs, as well as the aviation training organisations. She also supervises the activities of the Research and Development Council, the Academic Council, and the Unmanned Aerial Systems Team Lead.

Ellen Elvira Tulvik was appointed as the Vice Rector for Administration. Ellen comes from the private sector and brings extensive legal experience, having worked as a lawyer, partner and head of a law firm, and legal counsel for an airline. The Vice Rector for Administration is responsible for ensuring the availability of resources necessary for academic, research, and development activities and for supporting a committed and cohesive community. Compared to the former Vice Rector of Administration role, her responsibilities are significantly broader and include managing marketing and communications, human resources, financial management, public procurement, information systems, information management, buildings, facilities, and simulator infrastructure. In the future, her portfolio will also include the organisation of aircraft operations.

A major change is the establishment of Department of Quality and Safety, reporting directly to the Rector. This department is responsible for the overall functioning of the academy’s management systems and for ensuring compliance with applicable standards and requirements in education—including academic and research activities—as well as in aviation. The department is also tasked with independently handling appeals and complaints, managing crisis situations, overseeing data protection and information security, and providing legal services.

The academy has experienced significant growth over the past few years and continues to grow, which has further increased the need for effective governance. The implemented changes help ensure clear roles and responsibilities that reflect the scope and nature of the academy’s operations, past experiences, and future needs.

At the academy’s 32nd anniversary gathering held on April 11, the new vice rectors also received their official caps, and now all that remains is to wish them every success in shaping the next five years and helping lead the academy to new heights.