11 July 2025

Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences bids farewell to long-standing Dean of Studies and Professor in the Department of Engineering Sciences

With a festive event in the Audimax on 10 July 2025, Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences bid farewell to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Numerous companions, students and colleagues paid their respects to the long-standing Dean of Studies and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

Since April 2015, Prof Flüggen has played a key role in shaping the development of the department with his expertise in mechanical engineering and his commitment as Dean of Studies. He established the degree programmes Mechanical Engineering (BA) and Product Development and Production (MA). Prior to this, he had an impressive career in industry, including at Baker Hughes, Nordson Engineering GmbH, IMA Klessmann and SMA Solar Technology AG. Since 2013, he has also worked as an independent consultant in the areas of process optimisation, product development and interim management.

In his farewell speech, Prof Flüggen looked back on his time in industry and teaching:

"I have really enjoyed working with the students over the past 10 years. It's great to see how many have found their way here today and how they have developed and asserted themselves in their studies and professional lives. Even if my subjects weren't easy, we must have done something right (laughs). My work was and is not just a job for me, but a vocation. I would study mechanical engineering again!

University President Prof Dr Jörg Wagner paid tribute to Flüggen's contribution with the following words:

"Prof. Flüggen has provided important impetus over many years through his expertise, level-headedness and commitment - in teaching, student support and the further development of the range of courses on offer. With his departure, we are losing a valued personality with vision."

The ceremony was accompanied by words of welcome from other colleagues, including Thomas Hoffmann (Chairman of the Staff Council), Prof Dr Thomas Link and Dr Christoph Brodhun. Students from the Mechanical Engineering, Product Development and Production and Industrial Engineering and Management degree programmes then bid farewell to their professor with personal words.

During his time at the university, Prof Flüggen taught the modules "Production Engineering, Machine Elements, Mechanics and Quality Management", among others. His practical teaching formats and his ability to convey complex technical content in an understandable way were always particularly appreciated by students.

In research, together with Professor Poerschke, he was largely responsible for the Thuringian Innovation Centre for Recyclable Materials being awarded to Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences (the only one of its kind at a university of applied sciences).

The evening came to a convivial close with conversations, memories and good wishes.

Folker Flüggen for his many years of service and wishes him health, happiness and many fulfilling moments in the future.