Farewell celebration and handing-over of office: New Kanzler at the University of Konstanz
Moving moments at the University of Konstanz: After more than a quarter of a century of dedicated service to the university, Kanzler Jens Apitz handed over the office to his successor, Dr Matthias Kreysing, in a ceremony on 28 November 2025. The handshake between the two men marks a decisive moment in the university's history.
"Jens Apitz's work represents an important era of the university, in which a young, creative reform university on Lake Constance rose to become one of the most successful research and excellence universities in Germany. I would like to thank my colleague Jens Apitz for his tireless commitment to the university and for years of wonderful cooperation."
Professor Katharina Holzinger, rector of the University of Konstanz
"At the same time, I would like to warmly welcome Matthias Kreysing as the new Kanzler of our university. Mr Kreysing, I very much look forward to working with you: The university's further development will benefit greatly from your experience, your vision and your instinct for efficient and sustainable administrative structures".
Jens Apitz: Kanzler for a quarter of a century
Taking office in 1999, Jens Apitz was Kanzler of the University of Konstanz for more than a quarter of a century – and thus for nearly half of the university's existence. He was re-elected to this office four times without interruption and worked with five rectors. During his terms of office, the university reached significant milestones and important developments took place: For example, the continued success in the German Excellence Initiative and Excellence Strategy since 2006/2007, decisive negotiations on the financing of higher education, the expansion of German-Swiss cooperation between the University of Konstanz and the Thurgau University of Teacher Education (PHTG), as well as an era of increased structural development on campus. Jens Apitz is connected to the most extensive construction phase of the University of Konstanz since it was built in the early 1970s. "My work at the University of Konstanz began with a topping-out ceremony and ends with a ground-breaking ceremony", says Jens Apitz. One of his last official acts was the ground-breaking ceremony for the Forum Konstanz and the large heat pump systems – two key, forward-looking construction projects at the university.
"Every day at this university was filled with special, defining encounters. My hope is that all university members enjoy working and studying on the unique campus of our wonderful university, and I wish you all the best for a successful future!"
Jens Apitz
Interview with Jens Apitz in the university magazine uni'kon (in German)
From left to right: Kanzler Jens Apitz, rector Katharina Holzinger and Matthias Kreysing, the new Kanzler of the University of Konstanz.
During his term of office, Jens Apitz worked with five rectors. In the photo: Kerstin Krieglstein (rector from 2018-2020), Jens Apitz, Rector Katharina Holzinger, Ulrich Rüdiger (rector from 2009 to 2018).
On his last day in office, Jens Apitz wore the red jacket that he also wore on his first day in office in 1999.
Personal words from Kanzler to Kanzler: Jens Apitz welcomes his successor Matthias Kreysing.
The transfer of office is a landmark event in the university's history.
Henrike Hartmann, chair of the University Council, at the official handover of office to Matthias Kreysing.
Matthias Kreysing has been Kanzler of the University of Konstanz since 1 December 2025.
Matthias Kreysing: New Kanzler at the University of Konstanz
Today, 1 December 2025, Matthias Kreysing will start his term as Kanzler of the University of Konstanz. On 19 May 2025, he was elected by the Senate and University Council as Jens Apitz's successor. The experienced business economist knows the science system very well, having gained many years of experience in science management while working at the universities of Göttingen, Hamburg and Hildesheim. He was the Vice President of the University of Hildesheim Foundation for more than a decade. Matthias Kreysing not only stands for wise science management, marked by both humanity and foresight, he also especially values the special role universities play in society. Henrike Hartmann, chair of the University Council, says: "The University Council, too, is delighted that we have been able to recruit Matthias Kreysing, who has such extensive experience, a high level of competence and the necessary drive for this office. The university will benefit greatly from his considerable expertise and we are very much looking forward to working with him".
"The university's further development will benefit greatly from your experience, your vision and your instinct for efficient and sustainable administrative structures".
Katharina Holzinger
Matthias Kreysing takes over as Kanzler of the University of Konstanz at a time when a new course is being set for the future. His first tasks in Konstanz will include consolidating the measures of the Excellence Strategy as well as managing the tightened budget situation of universities nationwide due to increased energy prices and inflation. In addition, he will monitor the university's future-oriented building projects to be realized by the end of the decade. Matthias Kreysing is looking forward to his new tasks: "As a reform university, Konstanz has what it takes to respond effectively to a wide range of challenges. The university has demonstrated this time and again in the past".
Kanzler of the university:
The Kanzler of the University of Konstanz oversees the entire university administration. He is responsible for budgetary and staff matters, construction and renovation planning, legal issues and other administrative tasks. He is a member of the Rectorate, the Senate and numerous central university committees.
Header image: Standing ovations at the Audimax: After 26 years of dedicated service to the University of Konstanz, Kanzler Jens Apitz handed over the office to his successor, Dr Matthias Kreysing. Copyright: Torben Nuding