NEWS
Anna Valtonen, Rector at Umeå Institute of Design, has been appointed Dean of Aalto University’s School of Arts, Design and Architecture in Helsinki, Finland. She begins her new assignment on 1 March 2014.
“I am sad to be leaving the fantastic atmosphere at Umeå Institute of Design and all the talented students and employees,” says Anna Valtonen, who is now looking ahead at new challenges.
On 1 March 2014 , she will begin her five-year term at the Aalto University as Dean of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, the largest school in the Nordic countries in its field and one of the most prestigious art and design schools in the world. The School has 480 employees and nearly 2800 students, and consists of five departments; Art, Architecture, Design, Media, and Film, TV & Scenography. In her new assignment she will also become a member of the university’s management team.
Anna Valtonen started as Rector at Umeå Institute of Design in the autumn of 2009 and has contributed greatly to advance the institute’s position. This year, Umeå Institute of Design was nominated as the world leader in the design competition IDEA, International Design Excellence Awards 2013. In addition, the institute received the highest ranking on Red Dot's list of European and American design schools.
“Anna Valtonen has done a fantastic work as Rector at Umeå Institute of Design and I want to thank her for her efforts and wish her all the best in her future career. Even though she will be leaving Umeå University, I look forward to continue to cooperate with her and Aalto University,” says Lena Gustafsson, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University.
Aalto University is already a familiar institution to Anna Valtonen. Since 2008 she has been a member of the university’s board. She has also completed a Doctor of Arts degree at the University of Art and Design Helsinki, which now is a part of Aalto University.
Umeå University will now begin the recruitment process for a new Rector at Umeå Institute of Design. “Umeå Institute of Design is internationally prominent in industrial design and offers a world-class education. It gives us great opportunities to recruit a new top candidate,” says Lena Gustafsson.
For further information, please contact:
Lena Gustafsson, Vice-Chancellor at Umeå University Phone: + 46 73-079 42 91
Anna Valtonen, Rector at Umeå Institute of Design, Umeå University Phone: +46 70-8455353
