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History
Going strong for 50 years
Forward together
The University of Vaasa started its operations in 1968. Over the past 50 years, it has developed into a multidisciplinary and international university as a result of long-term work. What follows is a brief introduction to the history of the University of Vaasa.
The past decades
The past decades show a common will to do good for your city and your region. The belief in education and research has been strong, and the University of Vaasa has taken its place in a changing world.
1966
The Council of State decides to establish a
School of Economics and Business Administration in Vaasa.
1968
The first students of the Vaasa School of Economics and Business Administration arrive in September to Raastuvankatu and study in the annexe of the Commercial School. The school awards lower university degrees, but it is not possible to pursue higher university degrees or doctoral degrees.
Tryggve Saxén acts as rector.
1970
The right to award higher university degrees and the possibility to obtain the title of Doctor of Business Economics. Mauri Palomäki enters the office of rector.
1971
First graduates in business administration and correspondence.
1973
First master's degrees.
1975
The first Licentiate and Doctor graduate.
1980
The school is renamed as Vaasan korkeakoulu (Vaasa School of Economics) when education in humanities begins. Education in social sciences also begins in the early 1980s.
1987
Ilkka Virtanen enters the office of rector.
1988
The first conferment. The first students move to premises located in Palosaari. The programme of studies in industrial economics begins.
1990
The first students of technology start (in cooperation with Helsinki University of Technology).
1991
The University of Vaasa is founded.
1994
The university moves to new premises located in Palosaari, close to Vaasa city centre. Ari Salminen enters the office of rector.
1996
The Technology Research Centre Technobothnia begins operating in the weaving hall of the old cotton mill.
1998
The second conferment. Matti Jakobsson enters the office of rector.
2001
Tritonia, the academic library is completed.
2004
The right to award master’s degrees in technology.
2006
The third conferment of doctoral degrees.
2010
The University of Vaasa begins operations in accordance with the new Universities’ Act.
2011
The fourth conferment of doctoral degrees.
2015
Suvi Ronkainen enters the office of rector.
2017
Jari Kuusisto enters the office of rector.
2018
The fifth conferment of doctoral degrees.
2023
Minna Martikainen enters the office of rector.
Our rectors
The University of Vaasa has had seven rectors. The first one to enter the office of rector was Tryggve Saxén in 1968. He has been followed by Mauri Palomäki, Ilkka Virtanen, Ari Salminen, Matti Jakobsson, Suvi Ronkainen, Jari Kuusisto, and our current rector Minna Martikainen.