Arcada strengthens leadership - Professor Mark Dougherty appointed new Dean

Arcada's three schools have new leadership for the period 2024-2029. The Graduate School and Research is reinforced with new drive as Mark Dougherty takes on the role of Dean. He is professor of information technology and joins Arcada from Halmstad University.  

“I have always appreciated the concept of a smaller institution where everything comes together under one roof.  Arcada is a brilliant example of a multidisciplinary approach, which offers many opportunities to conduct socially relevant research. The fact that Arcada is Swedish-speaking was also attractive, as I invested a lot in learning Swedish and now get to use the language in a new country,” says Dougherty.    

International interest in the position 

Dougherty has a long academic career in Sweden and the UK, with an impressive track record of positions and published papers. He brings valuable expertise in areas such as project management and interdisciplinary initiatives.  

“I was delighted that the position attracted considerable interest abroad. Mark Dougherty brings extensive and long-standing experience, esteemed networks and an eagerness to share his knowledge, both within the organisation and through academic supervision. It was also important for us to find a person who complements the competences of the current management,” says Rector Mona Forsskåhl. 

The dean of the Graduate School and Research is responsible for Arcada’s research, development and innovation activities. Dougherty's main research focus has been applied artificial intelligence in areas such as transport systems, infrastructure maintenance, medical informatics and computer security. 

“I have more than 20 years of experience as a professor and in doctoral supervision. My task will be, among other things, to pave the way for a doctoral programme at Arcada, in collaboration with other universities both in Finland and abroad. I also see a chance to contribute as an AI researcher because artificial intelligence is everywhere and brings with it many opportunities but also challenges. Arcada, like all higher education institutions, must change its approach to pedagogy and research in line with the development of technology”, says Dougherty. 

Continuity in other management 

For the other two schools, two familiar names provide welcome continuity, as Carina Kiukas and Maria Forss continue in their roles as Deans following an internal recruitment process.  

Kiukas continues as dean for the School of Engineering, Culture and Wellbeing. She holds a doctorate in education from Åbo Akademi, and has served as a senior lecturer, programme director, department head, and dean at Arcada. 

The School of Business and Healthcare will continue with Maria Forss as dean. Forss has a PhD from Hanken and has extensive experience in various roles at Arcada, most recently as Vice-Rector and dean. 

The Deans are part of Arcada’s management team, and actively participate in the joint development of Arcada. They develop and lead the activities within their own school in accordance with the UAS's vision, strategy and objectives.