Accelerating dean change at UiA School of Business and Law

On 13 September 2023, the University Board appointed Kristin Wallevik as the new dean of the School of Business and Law at UiA.

In principle, UiA's seven new deans will take up their positions at the turn of the year, but outgoing dean Roger Normann at the School of Business and Law has requested an earlier departure.

“I believe it will be in the best interest of the faculty. In the coming months, strategic decisions may be made for the School of Business and Law that will influence the faculty for many years to come, and it is only fitting that the new dean has the opportunity to help steer the direction,” says Normann.

Wallevik will assume the role of dean starting from 1 October until her formal appointment on 1 January 2024.

Turning challenges into opportunities

During Normann's slightly over two years as dean, there has been a dedicated effort to organise and explore strategic opportunities for the faculty, to ensure the sustainable and robust operation of the AACSB-accredited business school.

Several working groups have laid the foundation for making directional choices in the years to come.

“Roger has led important work for the School of Business and Law at UiA during these two years to turn negative trends and prospects into strategic opportunities. He has also contributed to fostering motivation and a positive working environment at the faculty during a challenging period with the pandemic and its aftermath,” says Rector Sunniva Whittaker.

She believes Normann's strategic understanding and thoroughness have been invaluable, and his efforts will leave a lasting impact.

Thanks for the effort

Roger Normann was motivated to continue as dean and was one of the candidates for the dean position, which will transition to sole leadership at the faculty next year, ending the shared role with a faculty director.

“Roger was undoubtedly a strong candidate in the competition to continue leading the faculty. With the appointment of another dean, and Roger’s conviction that it is in the best interest of the faculty for him to step down from the dean's position now, we support his decision. We thank Roger for the effort he has put in for the faculty and for UiA as a whole,” says Whittaker.

“I have enjoyed my time very much. The role of dean has been challenging at times, but it has been a learning experience, and together we have achieved good results. I am rooting for the School of Business and Law and the entire UiA and wish the university all the best,” says Normann.

He emphasises the moment when UiA, after many years of challenging work at the Department of Law, finally succeeded in establishing a master's degree in law as one of the highlights of his tenure as dean.

Normann has just under a year and a half left in his employment at UiA. During that period, he will carry out research and analysis for the university.