Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Professor Evelyne Terryn has been appointed the first female vice-rector of Kortrijk, focusing on well-being, sustainability, and academic innovation.
She will take charge of the day-to-day operations of the KU Leuven Kortrijk department and oversee the campus in Bruges, Belgium, starting on August 1.
For 20 years, Professor Evelyne Terryn (50) has been employed at Kulak. For seven years, she served as the dean of the Law and Criminology program as well.
For four years, she also served on the management team under the direction of Piet Desmet, the vice-rector who would soon take Terryn’s place.
“This is an immense opportunity and a great challenge,”
Terryn responds.
“I have enjoyed working at Kulak for 20 years. Together with driven and talented people who together form a close community. To be able to help them determine the course is a great opportunity.”
There will be no major revolutions in policy, but Terryn does want to focus on 3 themes: sustainability, well-being and new developments.
“As far as sustainability is concerned, it is about our own business operations, but we also want to make students aware of the challenges that are coming our way.”
“We already offer electives on sustainability. But ideally, every student leaves here with knowledge about sustainable solutions to climate change and can help make a difference when they graduate.”
“We are already working on well-being within Kulak. We notice an increasing need for support on a psychological level among researchers and students. And we want to continue to excel in education and research. There are also sufficient challenges there, such as artificial intelligence.”
Terryn is the first female vice-rector at Kulak.
“We recently celebrated 60 years of Kulak. When you see 8 photos of 8 male vice-rectors hanging there in retrospect, that made me take the plunge. If you get the chance as a woman and don’t take it, nothing will ever change.”
How will Evelyne Terryn’s new role impact consumer law policies at KU Leuven?
Terryn’s research highlights how consumer legislation may promote sustainable production and consumption, including resolving environmental issues through legislative changes. Under her direction, KU Leuven might put more of an emphasis on consumer law that is focused on sustainability and support laws that promote durability, repairability, and responsible consumption.
She has investigated the ways in which consumer law may promote the circular economy by enabling customers to make eco-friendly decisions and by establishing laws that encourage recycling and waste reduction. The Kortrijk and Bruges campuses’ research goals and curriculum development may be impacted by this viewpoint.
Terryn has participated in studies and policy suggestions on consumer protection laws and sustainable consumption made by the European Parliament. Her position might help KU Leuven and legislators work together more closely.
