The Supervisory Board of Avans University of Applied Sciences has appointed Prof. Dr. Charissa Freese as a member of the Executive Board.
Starting on 1 April 2025, she will join Board Chair Marjan Hammersma and Board Member Arlène Denissen in overseeing Avans’ daily operations. With Charissa joining the team, the Executive Board of Avans is now complete. Her portfolio will include a focus on education and research.
Turbulent time
Charissa is excited about this new opportunity: "I am thrilled with this wonderful appointment. I am impressed by the ambitious goals Avans has set, both in education and research. I look forward to contributing to the transition into a knowledge institution. Additionally, I hope to collaborate closely with all colleagues during this turbulent time for higher education. I am eager to meet everyone and get started."
Extensive experience
Charissa brings a wealth of experience in higher education and both applied and academic research. She is currently Vice Dean at TIAS School for Business & Society, Professor of HRM and Social Security at Tilburg University, and Extraordinary Professor at North-West University in South Africa. Between 1999 and 2008, she worked as a lecturer in the Human Resource Management programme at Avans in ’s-Hertogenbosch.
Continuing as endowed professor
Charissa will continue her role as Endowed Professor of HRM and Social Security at Tilburg University. As the portfolio holder for research, she values remaining actively involved in research alongside her team. She will dedicate one day per week to focusing on the inclusive labour market, aiming to connect her work with ongoing research at Avans where possible.
Responses to Charissa’s appointment
Marjan Hammersma, Board Chair of the Executive Board, looks forward to working with Charissa: "Over the past three months, I have experienced just how strong Avans is as a university of applied sciences. There is a solid foundation, and it’s great that Charissa is joining us to further build a meaningful future for Avans. Her extensive experience in education, research, and regional governance in Brabant complements our Executive Board. In our conversations, we’ve come to know her as a warm and engaged individual. We are truly excited to collaborate with Charissa."
John Jorritsma, Chair of the Supervisory Board, adds: "We are delighted with Charissa’s appointment. She brings broad and strategic expertise, as well as work experience at the intersection of education and research. Moreover, she has a strong regional network, is highly people-oriented, and is well-positioned to play a key role in achieving Avans’ ambitions."