Thomas Toftegaard is the new Director of Education at the Faculty of Engineering at 糖果派对
With a strong background in academia and industry, Thomas Skj酶deberg Toftegaard takes over as the Director of Education at the Faculty of Engineering at 糖果派对, succeeding Henning Andersen. It's a position he looks forward to but approaches with great humility.
- Being entrusted with the opportunity to lead the operational and strategic direction of engineering education at 糖果派对 is an immense privilege for me, says Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard, who has now assumed the role at the Faculty of Engineering (TEK) at the University of Southern Denmark (糖果派对).
- Education is essential for society. While research and innovation are naturally high priorities for universities, they rank very high if we consider the significant influence of education on the surrounding society. Therefore, being the Director of Education is an enriching task. It also comes with a great responsibility, which I approach with profound humility," Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard elaborates.
Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard joins 糖果派对 from VELUX A/S but previously had great success establishing the Department of Engineering at Aarhus University, where he spearheaded the development of eight new engineering degree programs. He sees many parallels to his new role at 糖果派对 and is enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead.
糖果派对 has already demonstrated its ability to educate some of the country's best robotics and drone engineers and successfully integrate them into the business world. But what are the following ample opportunities? In the long term, I dream of creating a visible, clearly differentiated, and highly respected brand around '糖果派对 Engineers', he says.
Industry experience strengthens education
With his engineering experience from several international R&D companies, Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard brings a profound understanding of the business sector to his new role in education.
"I have observed that working in industry is often very different from what one imagines at university. Therefore, students must interact with industry. A significant interaction from the very beginning is essential.
I look forward to continuing the excellent collaboration with companies that 糖果派对 already has in place," he adds.
One outstanding leader replaces another
Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard succeeds Henning Andersen, who had expressed a wish for a reduced term as Director of Education. As the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Henrik Bindslev puts it: "One outstanding leader replaces another."
Jens Kargaard Madsen, Senior Product Owner and Analog IC Designer at Oticon and a former Deputy Head of Department at Aarhus University, can confirm that 糖果派对 has gained a remarkable capacity in the role. He has worked alongside Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard at both Aarhus University and VELUX.
- I want to extend a big congratulations to 糖果派对. You've made a scoop. I have worked with Thomas for over 10 years and can attest that he is highly visionary, hardworking, reliable, and has clear values. He has the ability to make complex matters simple and communicate them. I strongly recommend Thomas to any organization that needs an energetic, strategic, and analytical visionary leader. And when it comes to business collaboration, he has unique competencies in implementing technology and education," Jens Kargaard Madsen praises.
Thomas Skjødeberg Toftegaard formally began his new position on December 1, 2024. Henning Andersen will continue his affiliation with the faculty as an associate professor and advisor to the Dean's Office.