Prof. Dr Nicolas Rothen becomes the new Rector of UniDistance Suisse

Prof. Dr Nicolas Rothen is a distinguished university personality who is taking over the Rectorate of UniDistance Suisse. As Professor of Psychology and former Vice-Rector for Research, he brings with him a wealth of experience in research, teaching and academic leadership. His appointment stands for stability, strategic continuity and a clear vision: the further development of UniDistance Suisse into a nationally recognised and internationally networked digital university based in Valais.

«With Prof. Dr. Nicolas Rothen, we have appointed a compelling leader who combines academic excellence with strategic vision. We look forward to working with him to guide UniDistance Suisse in its transformation into the cantonal University of Valais.» - Stefan Bumann, President of the Foundation Council

Nicolas Rothen completed his doctorate in psychology at the University of Bern in 2009, conducted research at the University of Sussex (UK) for several years and qualified as a professor in Bern in 2016. He has been working at UniDistance Suisse since 2018 - first as Assistant Professor, later as Associate Professor and since 2023 as Vice Rector Research. In February 2024, he took over as Rector ad interim.

Prof. Dr Nicolas Rothen emphasises the role of UniDistance Suisse as a complementary educational institution:

«My vision is to firmly position UniDistance Suisse on its path to becoming the ‘University of Valais’. I aim to further strengthen its institutional recognition at the national level, significantly expand its research activities, and enhance its profile as a complementary educational institution that combines excellent digital teaching with research-driven innovation The majority of our students study part-time and are, on average, 38 years old. This clearly demonstrates that we do not see ourselves as a competitor to traditional universities, but rather as a valuable addition to the Swiss higher education system. Together with dedicated staff and strong partners, I want to establish the future University of Valais as a beacon of digital higher education in Switzerland — rooted in the canton, nationally relevant, and internationally connected.»

At the same time, the Foundation Council has been strategically expanded. The following new members have been appointed:

• Prof. Anne-Christine Fornage, professor of private law and former Vice Rector of the University of Lausanne
• Prof. Kilian Stoffel, Rector of the University of Neuchâtel
• Mathias Bellwald, Mayor of Brig-Glis

These appointments strengthen UniDistance Suisse’s academic and political positioning and support its strategic development.