Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen, who has chaired the Board of the University of Eastern Finland for nearly ten years, is leaving her post.
In this interview, she will talk about her journey, the expectations she had at the beginning, the most significant decisions and policies made and challenges faced during her term of office, and the lessons these years have taught her about leadership and strategic decision-making. Ryynänen-Karjalainen will also address the university’s role and future success factors, share personal experiences, and send a message to the academic community.
You have chaired the UEF Board since 2016, for nearly ten years. What kind of a journey has this been?
– It has been an amazing journey. This post has been a huge demonstration of trust on the part of the academic community, which really touches my heart. I have grown both as a person and as a leader, and have gained a better understanding of myself and others. Instead of mere administrative decision-making, the role has required getting to know the community and understanding its everyday life.
What expectations did you have regarding the post at the beginning – and how did they correspond to reality?
– I was appointed as Chair a little unexpectedly in the middle of the term of office. At the time, I mainly wished to do the job well and to act as the face of the Board. I did not want the Board to be distant and faceless. Instead, I wanted people to know that the ten people who make up the Board are doing their best for the university. I think that we have reached that goal well.
What have been the Board’s most important policies and decisions during your term?
– Enhancing collaboration with the academic community has been a conscious policy – this is something that concerns us all. Strengthening UEF’s finances proactively was also crucial; thanks to this, we have not found ourselves in the same situation as many other universities have in recent years.
– Closing the Savonlinna campus was not an easy decision but necessary. I remember that moment at the House of Science and Letters in Helsinki when I asked: “Are we ready to make this decision?” And everyone said: “Yes, we are.” I will never forget that moment. It was a long process, but the decision was made unanimously based on facts and with the view of securing the future of teacher education and research.
Is there a particular moment or a project that you will remember?
– The moments when bold decisions were made for the future of the university will never be forgotten.
– As regards the past few years, the policy to reduce the number of fixed-term employment contracts was especially important for me. A permanent employment contract creates stability and trust: after all, people are the most important resource of the university.
What were the greatest challenges faced in board work – and how were they conquered?
The greatest challenges were related to uncertainty – examples include Savonlinna and campus development. Tolerating uncertainty can be stressful, but open debate, facts and clear justifications go a long way. Consistency and the atmosphere of trust have been key.
I learned that we must be consistent and accept that we cannot know everything. Decisions are made based on the best available information. Leaders must be able to see both near and far at the same time – to understand both the present and the future trends.
Lea Ryynänen-Karjalainen
Chair of the UEF Board
What did you learn about leadership and strategic decision-making?
– I learned that we must be consistent and accept that we cannot know everything. Decisions are made based on the best available information. Leaders must be able to see both near and far at the same time – to understand both the present and the future trends.
How do you see the position of the University of Eastern Finland in the Finnish and international higher education sector?
– The University of Eastern Finland is not located in the periphery, but at the centre of the world. Our strong expertise, multidisciplinarity and size enables interaction and collaboration, and also makes us able to react quickly to changes.
What matters are critical to the university’s success in the next 10 years?
– Unity, courage to make choices, and preserving multidisciplinarity. Let’s not put all our eggs in the same basket – diversity is a strength. Trust in our own abilities is crucial.
What has been most rewarding for you personally in this role?
– Everyday encounters. The fact that you can sit down in UEF’s campus restaurants and have a chat about university matters or, for example, cats with anyone. For me, communality has been the most important aspect of this role.
What would you like to say to the academic community now that your term is ending?
– Thank you for letting me do this job for so long. This has been great! I have been able to do my bit for the benefit of my own neighbourhood and the university. Stick together, and appreciate and trust each other. This will allow the University of Eastern Finland to achieve all its future goals!