The DHV, the professional association of university academics in Germany with over 33,500 members, calls on its members once a year to evaluate the work of the rector of their university. Since 2020, university leaders who have already been named “Rector of the Year” three times can no longer take part in the election. Under the new regulations, Professor Hoch, who received the award in 2020, 2021 and 2023, can no longer compete in 2024.
“After being honored three times within a very short period of time, it would be inappropriate simply to go back to business as usual, because Michael Hoch's consistently excellent performance over such a long period of time is simply extraordinary. It is well known that academics like to use annual feedback to voice dissatisfaction with their university management,” explained DHV President Professor Lambert T. Koch—who himself received the first “Rector of the Decade” award in 2019 in his capacity as Rector of the University of Wuppertal—on the occasion of the award ceremony in Bonn. “Michael Hoch on the other hand, has consistently been characterized as an impressive and engaging personality. Over the years, he has received praise not just for his leadership and innovative work, but also for his excellent communication skills and empathic personality. He provides a shining example of prudent leadership, based on the insight that a university can only be led in constructive interaction with its researchers. It is this performance that we seek to recognize with the special ‘Rector of the Decade’ award, which is being presented today for only the second time.”
Professor Hoch told his audience: “I should like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the DHV for this very special honor. The award means so much to me as it stems from the high level of trust placed by the members of the University of Bonn in my person and my work as expressed in past votes. This has acted as a source of great strength. As such, the award represents a further source of encouragement for both myself and my team, and will help us to continue with our stimulating task of developing the University of Bonn as a University of Excellence and working with all its researchers, teachers, students and employees to ensure our continued success.”