Joke van Saane appointed to Executive Board

We are very pleased to announce that the Supervisory Board of The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) has appointed Professor Joke van Saane as a member of the Executive Board, effective 1 February 2027. 

Following a selection process involving broad representation from across the university, the selection committee was unanimous: Joke will be a valuable addition to THUAS. 

Marjet van Zuijlen, Chair of the Supervisory Board: "We are delighted to welcome Joke. She is a highly experienced executive with an open, approachable and no-nonsense style. We are confident that the implementation of our educational vision and the further development of THUAS as a knowledge institution will be in very capable hands." 

Elisabeth Minnemann, Chair of the Executive Board: "Joke brings not only extensive knowledge, experience and enthusiasm, but also a genuine commitment to the people who make up an educational institution. Her views on leadership and professional collaboration in higher education align very closely with our ambitions, and I very much look forward to working with her." 

Since 2019, Joke van Saane has been Rector and Chair of the Executive Board of the University of Humanistic Studies in Utrecht, where she is also Professor of Meaning-Making and Leadership. Before that, she spent many years at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, holding various positions, including professor and responsibility for the education portfolio. She also has extensive experience in supervisory roles within the education sector. 

Joke van Saane: "For me, getting to know a new organisation starts with listening. What matters to students and staff? What are they proud of? What challenges do they face, and what are their ambitions? THUAS is a large and diverse institution with an important role to play in society. I am really looking forward to meeting the people who make it what it is and working together to fulfil that mission." 

Joke succeeds Arend Hardorff on the Executive Board. Arend will become Chair of the Executive Board of Fontys University of Applied Sciences on 1 January 2027. With Joke joining us on 1 February, a thorough and personal handover from Arend, and Hans and Elisabeth taking on his responsibilities throughout January, we will ensure continuity in the university's leadership. 

On behalf of the Supervisory Board   On behalf of the Executive Board 
Marjet van Zuijlen                                       Elisabeth Minnemann