Future of the University of Vechta secured: Ministers and mayors explain themselves clearly!

Future of the University of Vechta secured: Ministers and mayors explain themselves clearly!

In the festive setting of the council foyer in Vechta, around 100 guests gathered on November 10, 2025 for the first autumn reception of the University of Vechta, attended by Minister Falko Mohrs, University President Professor Dr. Thomas Bals and Mayor Kristian Kater invited. The event was all about strengthening Vechta as a university location. In the speeches of the invited guests it became clear that the university should play a central role in the future of the region. Mohrs explained that there is no reason for debate about a possible closure of the university. On the contrary, the need for universities in rural regions is undeniable, which the minister also emphatically reiterated.

Another important point was academic freedom. Mohrs warned against political influence, which is essential for a lively and healthy academic exchange. Professor Bals, who was appointed university commissioner in the spring, received widespread praise for his leadership. He announced that enrollments remained stable compared to the previous year, which is encouraging for the further development of educational offerings. He underlined his connection to the city by registering his second home in Vechta and pointing out the importance of face-to-face events.

Community empowerment

In his speech, Mayor Kristian Kater emphasized the city's unity and its will to further develop as an educational location. He appealed to those present to work together to strengthen the university and thus the city. This was taken up by moderator Anja Muhle, who encouraged the guests to actively participate in the exchange about the university and its role in the region. The evening was musically accompanied by the Dreiklang ensemble from the district music school, which contributed to the festive atmosphere.

However, the discussion about the future of higher education is not only taking place in Vechta. A current article by Siân Bayne and Jen Ross on Lehrblick addresses various speculative scenarios for higher education, which are intended to stimulate discussion [lehrblick.de reports that ...]. The authors bring up visions that address, for example, an age of climate catastrophe or an academic world characterized by artificial intelligence. Such considerations are particularly relevant when it comes to looking at Vechta as a university location in the context of the changing educational landscape.

The views and fears of academia revolve around issues such as social justice and technological surveillance. These questions must also be discussed in Vechta in order to best prepare for the challenges of the future. The ideas formulated with a view to the higher education landscape make it clear that the importance of the university for the region is very important not only now, but also in the future.