Prof. Oomen worked at UCR since 2006, served as a Head of the Social Science Department from 2009 – 2011 and as the Dean from 2012 – 2016, in which period she focused on UCR as a connected university, strengthening undergraduate research and excellence in education. Over the past years she worked for UCR halftime (leading the Cities of Refuge project in the other half). Next to her teaching she set up the Young Energy Society Challenge, the freedom theme program and worked on strengthening knowledge on the legacy of slavery in Zeeland.
Prof. Oomen speaks fondly of her time at UCR: “My years at UCR will always remain a string of wonderful memories, characterized by the power of education and the unique ability of a small group of committed citizens to change the world. I am infinitely grateful to have been part of all we achieved over the past years. Even if I will miss UCR sorely, this career step enables me to take responsibility for what I care about most: personalized education and strengthening the knowledge infrastructure in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals in Zeeland”.
Prof. dr. Bert van den Brink (Dean of UCR) and UCR’s response: “First of all, let me on behalf of UCR congratulate Barbara with this step. HZ University of Applied Sciences is one of the best Universities of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands and we congratulate them on their inspiring new President. Over the years, thousands of students took her courses, hundreds of students wrote Senior projects and other final theses with her. Moreover, hundreds of colleagues inside and outside of UCR have been inspired by her advice. Barbara will be missed dearly here at UCR, but her energy and vision will not be far away. We know that they will newly inspire the already intense cooperation between UCR and HZ University of Applied Sciences. We look forward to working with her in that renewed cooperation.”