Chantal van der Putten New Director

She will be the successor of Debbie Dermout, who stepped back from that role in March 2023, and of Harm Kreulen temporarily acting in that role.

Chantal van der Putten (39) has been working at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences since 2010 in various roles. She started as a communication advisor, and in 2013, she became a lecturer in Dutch and research skills, among other subjects. She combined all this with coordinating language policy and study success, chairing the Rotterdam Academy institute participation council, participating in various committees and later, coordinating Ad programmes such as ICT Internet of Things and Integral Construction Management.
 
Since 2019, Chantal has been the degree programme manager of four Ad programmes: Engineering, Maintenance & Mechanics, Smart Technology, Integral Construction Management (Built Environment and Civil Engineering), and was responsible for the internationalisation of her institute. She was also involved in policy making of inclusion, differentiation, and diversity.
 
Chantal holds a bachelor's degree in Dutch Language and Culture from Utrecht University and a master's degree in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Chantal has various other positions, such as chair of Student Pride NL and treasurer of Roze Kameraden. She lives in Rotterdam.

Jorrit Snijder, president of the Executive Board of BUas says: ‘Chantal is an experienced manager in higher education and asset for our BUas community. She fits the BUas and academy DNA perfectly: open, can-do mentality and getting the best out of our students, faculty, and staff. We are looking forward to working with Chantal and her contribution towards making our international community even more inclusive.'

Chantal: ‘I look forward to strengthening BUas as academy director. What appeals to me about BUas is the inclusive learning environment where diversity is embraced. In the coming years, I would like to work together to encourage students to reach their full potential and prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.’

Jorrit says: ‘I would like to express my special gratitude to Debbie Dermout, who has led the Academy for Built Environment & Logistics successfully since 2018. She has done that with a lot of energy, a bright mind and a clear direction. Additionally, she has always demonstrated a warm heart for the ABEL community. Her pro-active role in the Executive Board has contributed to the current BUas strategy and growing cross-domain culture. I am very happy that she remaines active for BUas.’