Alexander Himme new Dean of Programs at KLU

How was your first Welcome Week as Dean of Programs for you?

Alexander Himme: As dean, you're much more in the spotlight (laughs). As it was a 'first time' for me and the first semester students, I definitely felt a special connection with them.

How would you explain your role as Dean of Programs for our first semester students?

Alexander Himme: Together with the team here, I think about how our teaching and its content needs to be designed so that it fits perfectly with our students. What is their life experience like? Which media play a role for them? What skills do they want to have for their future? Some topics, for example in accounting, naturally remain the same over many years. But I think a lot about how we explain these topics. For example, generative AI - how do we use it? How do we evaluate our interaction with it? I will simply give this a try: In my lecture this year, there is an avatar as a tutor who has been trained with all my materials and knowledge and to which students can ask questions.

Overall, my most important task is to ensure that we are constantly improving our programs. In addition, I also show the outside world how good our programs are, for example as part of the examination processes for new accreditations such as the AACSB, which we recently received. Of course, I am also involved when it comes to completely new study programs such as the Master in Business Analytics and Data Science.

What makes you so enthusiastic about teaching?

Alexander Himme: That's a tough question. Actually, it was like that from the very beginning - at school I gave private tutoring, at university I was a tutor in many subjects and as a research assistant I taught a lot. It was always great fun. What excites me is seeing this 'wow' effect with the students. Guiding them, helping them and then seeing how they successfully apply what they've learned. That motivates me.

I always try to understand the learning challenges of every student. What is on their mind at the moment? Where have things not yet clicked, how can I explain it differently, find a new way? I'm always prepared to do that. In my opinion, that's what makes a good teacher, that you put yourself in the student's shoes.

You have already been voted KLU's 'Best Teacher' five times by students. Have you ever considered focusing entirely on teaching and maybe even becoming a teacher?

Alexander Himme: I think the reason we have such incredibly good teaching is because our professors are always involved in research and incorporate current topics from their research into their teaching. If I only taught, I would lose this connection. I myself am also particularly good when I can talk about my own research projects in my teaching. So no, leaving out research would not be an option for me.

What do you think distinguishes teaching at KLU from other universities?

Alexander Himme: First, our teaching is always at the cutting edge. We don't present only textbook knowledge here, but we have really very good researchers here at KLU who have their finger on the pulse of the times and bring this knowledge into the classroom. That is a very important difference to other universities. Second, the interaction - in group work, case studies, discussions, role plays, breakouts, and all this in small classes. Third, we really focus on each and every student and perceive them individually. In a way, that is our DNA at KLU. And finally, we simply have very good networks that we use for teaching. There's always someone visiting who brings in a new perspective or there exist relevant projects with companies.

Thank you very much for the interview!

More information:

• More about Prof. Dr. Alexander Himme
• KLU receives AACSB Accreditation