Scandal erupts over PH Vorarlberg rector appointment process
The appointment process for the rector of PH Vorarlberg has sparked controversy after longtime leader Gernot Brauchle was not reappointed. Manfred Prenzel, former chair of the university council, claims the selection was undermined by a targeted campaign. He has called the events an outright scandal if the allegations prove true.
Gernot Brauchle had served as rector of PH Vorarlberg since 2014, overseeing modernisation efforts and teacher education programmes. When his term ended, he applied for an extension but was ultimately passed over.
Manfred Prenzel, a professor emeritus of empirical educational research, drafted the original job posting for the rector's role. As chair of the university council, he also led the selection process, which resulted in a ranked list of candidates—with Brauchle placed first. However, Prenzel alleges that a deliberate campaign to discredit Brauchle began before the final decision. He claims the ministry, which has the final say, was influenced by these efforts. The ministry then summoned all candidates again, this time before a different commission. Despite the council's recommendation, the ministry appointed the second-ranked candidate instead. Prenzel acknowledges that such a decision is not unprecedented, as the council's role is advisory. Yet he insists the process was systematically compromised, pointing to a leaked 'checklist of academic intrigue' as evidence of foul play.
The controversy leaves questions about transparency in academic appointments. Brauchle's departure marks the end of a decade-long leadership at PH Vorarlberg. The ministry's final decision now stands, though concerns over the process remain unresolved.
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