The first weeks of the new rectoral team: What have they noticed? And how well do they know each other?

A physician and a political scientist, two different backgrounds, but above all, two people who found each other in their love for Ghent University. Petra De Sutter and Herwig Reynaert took up their positions as rector and vice-rector at the beginning of October. A new chapter for Ghent University and for them. How have they experienced their first few weeks? What have they noticed so far? And how well do they know each other?

When we enter the rector's office, Petra De Sutter and Herwig Reynaert are still deep in conversation. "Shall we sit in the armchairs? It's a bit more cozy than at the table." The mood is set for a frank conversation. "Herwig, would you like a glass of water? I'll pour it for you."

You've been here for a few weeks now. How does that feel?

Petra: "It actually feels like we've been working on it for much longer. We started full-time preparing in mid-August: meetings, familiarization with files, meeting lots of people. October 1st was more of a restart than a beginning for me. It's intense, there's a lot coming at you. Some days I start appointments at seven o'clock. I compare it to my most intense period as minister. It was the same then too: a packed schedule, but with the feeling that you're in the middle of something meaningful."

Herwig: "What strikes me is the goodwill of the people to work with us to create something beautiful in the coming years. That enormous willingness to work together is energizing."

The opening of the academic year was a first important moment. How did you experience that?

Petra: "That was truly special. The moment when the rector's ermine is pinned to your robe is something you never forget. It's a milestone in a person's life."

Herwig: “For me, it was also symbolic. At such a moment, you think back to your first day as a student, and then forty years later, you're standing there as vice-rector. That resonates with you.”

Did you ever envision this job?

Petra: “Absolutely not. A year ago, I was still debating whether I should become political party leader. Sometimes life decides faster than you do. For me, it's a kind of final chapter. I'll be eligible for retirement at the end of this term, so this could very well be the final chapter of my professional career.”

Herwig: “I've never had a bucket list. But if I did, this wouldn't have been on it. So I never expected it, but it's a great honor.”

Will this job change you?        

Herwig: "I hope not. Of course, it will enrich me as a person, but ultimately, I'll just remain who I am. If I step out of line too much, I'd quickly be put in my place by my wife (laughs)."

Petra: "I do think the job will change me in some way. I get a lot of welfare files on my desk now, and it's still shocking. It really affects me when you see how many people are struggling. That's why I attach great importance to treating each other respectfully and making work workable. These are not secondary issues."

You put a lot of emphasis on the 'duo'. Why is that important?

Petra: "Because collaboration is at the core of what we want to project. We literally want to show that we're in this together."

Herwig: "Others apparently notice it too. People call us 'the rector duo,' which says it all."

Petra: "In our office, the vice-rector is a full-fledged replacement for the rector. We are one and indivisible, I often say jokingly, but it's really true."

How did that duo come about?

Petra: "When I was considering running for office, Herwig's name came up in many conversations. We knew each other from before, but when we talked about a possible candidacy, we knew within thirty seconds: we click. We share a vision and we really want to do this together."

Herwig: "We complement each other well. Petra has incredible energy and vision, and I try to bring a sense of calm. That works."

Petra: "We see each other less often than we'd like, but we WhatsApp a lot. We are one team; that's not just a slogan."

Petra: "(smiles) We've never actually said that to each other quite so explicitly."

Are there things about each other that surprised you?

Herwig: "I know something. Can I say it (looks at Petra)?"

Petra: "Oops, I don't know what you're going to say."

Herwig: "Petra's favorite sandwich is a martino sandwich. I didn't expect that (laughs)."

Petra: "That dates back to my student days. I associate the sandwich with Ghent University; I ate it almost every day back then. I haven't eaten it in recent years, but during one of the first meetings here, they asked me what I wanted to eat. A martino sandwich, it just had to be."

And the office, does it feel like home yet?

Petra: "Not quite yet. I have my three Rajasthan statues up, but otherwise there are just hooks with nothing hanging on them yet. I promised my wife Claire that I'll have one of her paintings, but she also said I have to be careful about what I hang next to it. That makes the choice a bit complex."

Herwig: "For me, it's going to be a colorful mix. I already have a photo of a performance with Wannes Cappelle. Friends from my research group gave me a Club Brugge jersey and a collage of 25 flyers from local politics conferences I've organized. If I hang all that up, the walls will be filled right away."

Petra: "You've thought about it, that's a good start. The boxes in my office are still untouched. Even my Buddha statue, which has been moving with me for twenty years, is still in its box."

What do you hope to achieve after four years?

Petra: "That we've made Ghent University stronger as a community and achieved the internal cultural shift. More connection, more respect, more pride. Once that train has departed, we'll be able to look back with pride."

Herwig: "And that we can translate the goodwill we see today among Ghent University employees into satisfaction. That people proudly say again: 'I'm from Ghent University.' Then our mission will have been accomplished."

Petra: "Of course, we can secure more funding, climb the rankings, and so on, but that's not the point. If people are satisfied again, they'll automatically step up their efforts, and those things will follow."