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Organisation and management

University management

The highest decision-making body of the University of Vaasa is the Board which is appointed by the University Collegium. The university’s operations are led by the Rector, appointed by the Board. In this role, the Rector is supported by the Management Group. The University Advisory Board provides a valuable perspective for the university’s development work.

The university collegium consists of 15 members of the university community. The members of the collegium represent professors, other teachers, researchers, and other personnel as well as students.

Members of the university collegium 2026–2029

Professor representatives

  • Sami Vähämaa (chair), deputy member Annukka Jokipii
  • Hannu Makkonen, deputy member Merja Koskela
  • Tanja Sihvonen, deputy member Peter Gabrielsson
  • Tero Vartiainen, deputy member Jouni Lampinen
  • Tomi Kallio, deputy member Marko Kohtamäki

Representatives of other personnel

  • Mia Smedlund, deputy member Susanna Laurila
  • Kaisu Piirainen, deputy member Ilpo Ojala
  • Ulla Laakkonen, deputy member Heidi Troberg
  • Tuukka Järvinen, deputy member Katja Sirviö
  • Kati Kangasniemi, deputy member Elina Haapamäki

Student representatives 2026–2027

  • Elle Koskimies, deputy member Heidi Elers
  • Sami Hasunen, deputy member Aleksi Peltosaari
  • Julius Pentti, deputy member Erika Strömberg
  • Laura Vuorenoja, deputy member Helen Rankaviita
  • Muhammad Hamza, deputy member Satu Kuoppamaa

The board of the University of Vaasa 2026–2029

  • Mari Kiviniemi, former DSG of the OECD, former Prime Minister of Finland, former Managing Director of the Finnish Federation of Commerce (Chair)
  • Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State (Vice-Chair)
  • Jenni Hiltunen, Student, University of Vaasa (2026–2027)
  • Susanna Kultalahti, Senior University Lecturer, University of Vaasa
  • Hannu Laaksonen, Professor, University of Vaasa
  • Liisa Mäkelä, Professor, University of Vaasa
  • Hannu Mäntymaa, Managing Director, Wärtsilä Finland
  • Timo Rothovius, Professor, University of Vaasa
  • Eriikka Söderström, professional board member (2026–2027)
  • Marja Vettenranta, Subject Area Administrative Manager, University of Vaasa

Meet the board members and explore the board’s duties

Contact information
Secretary to the Board: University Lawyer Samu Leskinen
Contact person: Executive Assistant Emmi Karjaluoto / emmi.karjaluoto@uwasa.fi

Meet the Rectors

The Advisory Board of the University of Vaasa brings a valuable insight into the development of the university. 

The members of the Advisory Board are:

  • General Director Anders Ahnlid, National Board of Trade Sweden
  • Professor Agnes Cheng, Oklahoma University
  • Director Riikka Heikinheimo, Confederation of Finnish Industries
  • Mayor Tomas Häyry, City of Vaasa
  • Unit Head Tomas Kåberger, Energy excellence unit at Chalmers University of Technology
  • Rector Minna Martikainen, University of Vaasa (Chair)
  • Managing Director Hannu Mäntymaa, Wärtsilä Finland
  • Finnish Member of the European Parliament Sirpa Pietikäinen
  • President Timo Ritakallio, OP Financial Group
  • Professor James L. Smith, Edwin L. Cox School of Business Southern Methodist University
  • President Karen Spens, BI Norwegian Business School
  • Country Managing Director Finland Pekka Tiitinen, ABB Finland
  • President-Rector Bruno Van Pottelsberg, Corvinus University of Budapest

Schools

The University of Vaasa has four schools for research and teaching: the School of Management, the School of Accounting and Finance, the School of Marketing and Communication, and the School of Technology and Innovations.

Research platforms

The University of Vaasa has four open, multidisciplinary research platforms: Vaasa Energy Business Innovation Centre VEBIC, Digital Economy, Preparedness and Resilience, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship InnoLab.

Affiliated institutions

Affiliated institutions of the University of Vaasa are the language centre Linginno, and the academic library Tritonia. 

The University of Vaasa Executive Education offers continuing education solutions for organizations and companies. The offerings include the Executive MBA programme as well as customized training tailored to specific organizations and needs.

University services

Administrative services for the university’s schools are provided by the university services unit and its different teams.