Prof. Dr. Ottmar Schneck successfully guided the fate of SRH Fernhochschule – The Distance Learning University (SRH DLU) for almost a decade until he retired yesterday at the plenary session in the Bad Saulgau city hall meeting.
In 2016, Prof. Dr. Schneck was given a heavy chain around his neck when he was appointed Rector of SRH DLU as a sign of the weighty office. A symbol that perfectly epitomises the not always straight and smooth path to success. But Schneck took this path. Courageously and consequently, yet warmly and empathetically.
A joint effort by committed employees
"People are the heart of the university." was always his credo and with this humanity and empathy, he led SRH DLU’s employees through sometimes turbulent times. Corona brought some challenges, but also led to increasing student numbers and, as the student body grew, more employees joined the team. SRH DLU is now one of the largest employers in Riedlingen, Germany. Around 250 people are currently employed here and make dreams come true every day.
Student numbers tripled
Schneck also dreamed of doubling the number of students in 2016. He and his team have far exceeded this goal. The 3,100 students at the time have now grown to around 10,000. A few dozen degree programmes have become 70 and, on top of that, students can expand their knowledge in 90 certificate courses. And this is by no means the end of the story. Most recently, Prof. Dr. Schneck has been pushing the internationalisation of the university and there are now partnerships within various countries, such as India, Vietnam and Indonesia. Students can be found in more and more countries. They study psychology from offshore wind farms and deepen their knowledge of international finance from a hammock in Madagascar.
Dank & AbschiedThanks & farewell
In an emotional speech of thanks, Prof. Dr. Schneck bid farewell to those present, including his visibly moved family as well as employees and the aforementioned speakers. He officially took off the necklace that he was given in 2016 as a sign of his acceptance of responsibility, now as part of his farewell. The chain would just be a hindrance for him now, given all the sporting endeavours Schneck has planned for his retirement.
A new beginning
The departure of Prof. Dr. Ottmar Schneck marks the beginning of a new era for SRH DLU. During the search for a suitable successor, the Vice-Rectors of the university, Prof. Dr. Joachim Merk and Prof. Dr. Stefan Ingerfurth, will share the office of Rector. Christian Gerard, Managing Director of SRH Higher Education GmbH, the shareholder of SRH Fernhochschule, will take over the management of the university on an interim basis.
The university would like to thank Ottmar Schneck for his exceptional work and wishes him all the best for his future projects.
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