On 1 June, Per Botolf Maurseth took up the position as Dean at the NMBU School of Economics and Business. He brings experience from research, teaching and political leadership at the Ministry of Education and Research. He looks forward to collaborating closely with the staff to sustain and further strengthen the faculty’s high academic standards.
“As Dean, I will be working alongside colleagues whose expertise exceeds my own. That makes me proud, while also giving me a strong sense of humility and a few nerves,” Maurseth says with a smile.
He is especially looking forward to collaborating with both staff and students in his new role.
His academic background and interests lie in international economics, industrial economics and innovation - fields that make him feel very much at home in the academic environment at the NMBU School of Economics and Business.
“My academic identity is as a researcher and lecturer,” says Maurseth, and continues:
“My interests span broadly across economics. At NUPI, I worked primarily on international economics, but have since also worked in industrial economics and innovation.”
Maurseth comes from a position as Associate Professor at BI Norwegian Business School, where he has been involved in quality development as an academic. He believes that both academic and organisational development must be rooted in the academic communities.
“The quality of our research and teaching is built from the ground up by our academic staff. They provide the foundation for our continued development and uphold excellence in both research and education.”
“I would very much like to continue teaching, although I am not yet sure how realistic that will be. What matters most to me, however, is maintaining an open dialogue with students.”
Politics and leadership
Maurseth served as State Secretary to Øystein Djupedal in the Ministry of Education and Research during the Stoltenberg II government. In this role, he experienced how important it is to ensure broad support for decisions, particularly in cases marked by significant disagreement.
“I found it especially motivating when everyone pulled in the same direction and it was clear whom you represented. That contributed to greater transparency in decision-making.”
“I believe in engaging with people, being inclusive, and representing those you lead. These principles I will prioritize in my role as Dean.”
Maurseth emphasises that the faculty’s AACSB accreditation is a valuable asset that must be safeguarded.
“How we do this in the best possible way is something the academic community here must determine together.”
A summer at the cabin
Maurseth often spends his free time at his cabin in Larvik, where he unwinds and works his way through a growing stack of books. His preferred genres and themes vary. He is currently immersed in Haruki Murakami’s surreal universe in Kafka on the Shore, and this summer he plans to read the final volume of Antonio Scurati’s M trilogy, a series about Benito Mussolini and the rise of fascism in Italy.
The new Dean also enjoys skiing, running and attending concerts.
“I hope Springsteen will return to Norway soon. Or the Stones, they have just released a new album, so I hope they will be touring as well.”
Welcome to us, Per Botolf! We look forward to having you as our team leader at the NMBU School of Economics and Business.
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