Van Wevelingen has been with TU/e since 2009 and was appointed managing director at Electrical Engineering in 2015. “We know her as a solid director who has everything what it takes to successfully lead the department through the dynamic period in which we find ourselves”, Vice President Patrick Groothuis said in a message on the intranet.  

Dean Patrick Anderson, in that same message, speaks of the “considerable challenges” facing Mechanical Engineering. Those challenges involve housing, namely the renovation of Gemini. But also project Beethoven - the financial impulse to secure the chip sector and chip education for the Netherlands and to strengthen Brainport - is giving the faculty headaches. For how should the desired growth take shape now that, despite the Beethoven money, budget cuts have to be made at the same time?  

Anderson thinks Van Wevelingen can get that job done. “We are therefore delighted that Jolie, with all her qualities and her great commitment, is joining the department board. I look forward to working together.

Governance project

Is TU/e anticipating the possible merging of faculties with this appointment? No, as it turns out. “The dual position is separate from the project on the future governance of the TU/e, which includes a possible restructuring of the departments”, according to the statement on the intranet.

Van Wevelingen previously combined two jobs when she was managing director at Electrical Engineering and Applied Physics. Two positions is unusual, but not unique. Previously, for example, Jos Hermus was managing director at the faculties of Industrial Design and Industrial Engineering & Innovation Sciences. 

Alfons Bruekers is also an experienced in this regard. Bruekers first served as managing director of the Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics departments from 2012, and then Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering. Currently, by the way, he is director of Innovation Space.