ARCHITECT OF INNOVATIVE EDUCATION MODELS: IUBH FOUNDING RECTOR PETER THUY RESIGNS FROM HIS OFFICE

Erfurt, 3 March 2021- After a 20-year success story, the founding Rector of the IUBH, Prof. Dr. Peter Thuy, will step down at the end of February. Under his leadership, the IUBH has become a pioneer in digital education and the largest private university in Europe. Starting with 23 students in two-degree programmes, the IUBH today offers more than 200 Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA programmes in the areas of dual study and distance learning and part-time combined study and classic campus study. The number of students surpassed the 60,000 mark for the first time at the beginning of the year. The economist is handing over the reins at the IUBH with a good feeling; he said: "We have created a university that is up to the challenges of the digital transformation and is equipped for the future." "I would like to thank our long-time Rector Peter Thuy from the bottom of my heart for his huge contribution, without which the IUBH would not have become what it is today!" said Sven Schütt, Managing Director at the IUBH. "Peter Thuy has created new development opportunities for the now more than 100,000 students and alumni at the IUBH".

In 2000, Peter Thuy was appointed founding rector of the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef - Bonn, now IU International University of Applied Sciences. As Rector, Thuy was responsible for the development of the academic programme at the IUBH. In 2008, he also took over the position of managing director of the Steigenberger Akademie in Bad Reichenhall. Thuy is also an expert in the accreditation of study programmes and higher education institutions, as well as Chairman of the Board of the Association of Private Universities VPH. "Over the past 20 years, the IUBH has become a role model for other institutions in digital education," says Sven Schütt. "With his enormous academic and educational policy expertise, Peter has been fighting for an agile, future-oriented university system for many years. I am very pleased that Peter will continue to support us and accompany the development of the IUBH."

Contribution to educational equity in Germany

Peter Thuy: "The IUBH shows what an important contribution innovative educational concepts can make to our society. I am particularly pleased that the IUBH today makes it possible for many thousands of people to study, which would not have been an option in the past. For example, 70% of our students come from a home without an academic background. This way, we make an important contribution to the democratisation of education." Furthermore, 45% of all students without a High School diploma (Abitur) in Germany started their studies at the IUBH last year. Schütt comments: "With his life's work at the IUBH, Peter Thuy has contributed more than any other rector in this country to educational justice in Germany. He has made his principle - that society should also offer an opportunity to every person who wants to develop - a reality at the IUBH with immense heart and commitment. For that, I thank Peter on behalf of all our students over the past 20 years!"