University organisation

FHM – Partner to German SMEs

The University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (FHM) is a subsidiary of the Education & Crafts Foundation and a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences with nine campuses across Germany, as well as the online FHM Online University. It has been accredited by the Science Council of the Federal Republic of Germany. The Science Council’s seal of approval confirms the FHM’s excellent quality. Particular emphasis is placed here on the FHM’s SME-focused concept, the quality of its teaching and applied research, its plausible and sustainable mission statement, and its sound management. The FHM was founded in 2000 by SMEs for SMEs. It is the only university in Germany that consistently champions SMEs and incorporates this into its name as a defining feature of its identity.

The Foundation for Education and Skilled Trades, Paderborn, is the governing body of the state-recognised, private University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (FHM). The managing directors of FHM GmbH are Prof. Dr Anne Dreier and Michael H. Lutter.

On 5 May 2000, the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FHM) was granted state recognition by the Ministry of Schools, Science and Research of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. The FHM commenced regular academic operations as early as 1 October 2000 and has since developed into one of the most successful new private universities established in recent years.

As a state-recognised private university, the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FHM) is subject to the Higher Education Act of North Rhine-Westphalia, just like all other universities of applied sciences and universities in NRW. In addition to a significantly more streamlined and personalised organisation of studies with small learning groups, the difference from state universities lies in the fact that the university is sponsored not by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia but by a private group of shareholders.

Members of the Board of Trustees:

Prof. Dr. Dieter Timmermann (Rector a.D. Universität Bielefeld)
Dr. Ingeborg von Schubert (Chair of the Advisory Board of Gundlach Gruppe)
Prof. Dr. Oliver Kruse (Professor at the German Federal Bank University)
Dr. Jens Prager (Chief Executive of the Chamber of HWK Ostwestfalen-Lippe zu Bielefeld)
Michael H. Lutter (Chairman of the Board Stiftung Bildung und Handwerk)
Markus Rempe (Executive Board Stiftung Bildung und Handwerk)
Mickel Biere (District Master Craftsman Kreishandwerkerschaft Paderborn-Lippe)

In accordance with Section 13 of the FHM Constitution, the Senate comprises the following members:

Rectorate (non-voting):

Prof. Dr. Anne Dreier, Principal and Managing Director, Chair
Prof. Dr. Patrick Lentz, Vice-Chancellor for Finance and Administration
Prof. Dr. Volker Wittberg, Vice-Chancellor for Research and International Affairs
Prof. Dr. Michael Negri, Vice-Principal for Student Affairs and Teaching
Prof. Dr. Franziska Süß, Equality Officer

Deans (non-voting):

Prof. Dr. habil. Rainer Beurskens, Academic Dean
Prof. Dr. Katja Brickwedde, Director of Studies

Representatives of full-time professors (with voting rights):

Prof. Dr. Marlies Kroetsch
Prof. Dr. René Börrnert
Prof. Dr. Melanie Eikenbusch
Prof. Dr. Stefan Kombüchen
Prof. Dr. Metje Rocklage

Representatives of the administrative staff (with voting rights):

Sabrina Franke

Representatives of academic staff (with voting rights):

Elisa Goldmann

Student representatives (with voting rights):

Lisa Dickhaeuser

The Rectorate is one of the key bodies of the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (FHM). Its members represent the interests of the university both internally and externally. The Rectorate comprises:

Prof. Dr. Anne Dreier, Principal
Prof. Dr. Patrick Lentz, Vice-Chancellor for Finance & Administration
Prof. Dr. Volker Wittberg, Vice-Chancellor for Research and International Affairs
Prof. Dr. Michael Negri, Vice-Chancellor for Student Affairs and Teaching

Academic Dean: Prof. Dr. habil. Rainer Beurskens
Director of Studies: Prof. Dr. Katja Brickwedde

Group of professors:

Prof. Dr. Silke Springensguth
Prof. Jochen Dickel
Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Engel

Group of research staff:

Sabrina Franke

Group of students:

Parthkumar Jitendrabhai Vaddoriya

To represent the interests of women at the university, the FHM has appointed an Equal Opportunities Officer:

Prof. Dr Franziska Süß is currently the Equal Opportunities Officer at the FHM.

The University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (FHM) has affiliated institutes dedicated to research, academic continuing education and business development. The areas of business start-ups and business sustainability are a key focus for the FHM, both in its teaching programmes and in its research and consultancy work, with a dedicated institute.

The oldest and largest campus is located in Bielefeld, the economic and cultural hub of the East Westphalia-Lippe region. Starting from its Bielefeld campus, the FHM has established further campuses in Bamberg, Berlin, Düren, Frechen, Hanover, Cologne, Rostock and Waldshut, as well as its location-independent online university.

FHM Locations