Crisis Manager, Team Player, Head of HR: Farewell to Roland Jakisch

After twenty-nine years at the University of Bayreuth (UBT), Roland Jakisch is retiring. As the long-standing Head of the Human Resources Department, he has navigated numerous changes and challenges – including the increasing digitalisation of administrative processes and managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic at UBT. Throughout his tenure, he particularly valued the close collaboration with his team. Acting as deputy to former University Chancellor Dr. Markus Zanner and current Chancellor Dr. Nicole Kaiser, he also gained a new perspective on the university. In an interview with UBTaktuell, he reflects on his time at UBT, shares memorable moments, and reveals what he is most looking forward to in retirement.

UBTaktuell: You led UBT’s Human Resources Department for many years. What were the biggest challenges and changes during this time?

Roland Jakisch: The biggest challenge was undoubtedly dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. Back then, the legal regulations were constantly changing – there were about 12 ordinances, each of which was amended up to five times. Often, by the time I arrived at the office in the morning, the protective measures and regulations we had to follow had already changed overnight.

The biggest transformation during my career was certainly the increasing digitalisation. I still remember how, when I started, internal mail was delivered twice a day. Nowadays, email inboxes overflow almost hourly. But, of course, digitalisation also presents a huge opportunity – especially in times of increasing staff shortages, as it helps us meet growing challenges more effectively.

UBTaktuell: Which developments or projects during your tenure are you particularly proud of?

Roland Jakisch: If you ask me what I’m proud of, it’s not so much individual projects or developments but rather the teamwork in “my” Human Resources Department. My colleagues often handled extremely complex projects almost autonomously with incredible dedication. I particularly remember the transition from the former federal employee pay agreement to the TV-L system, as well as the demanding changes to personnel management systems (DIAPERS, VIVA). Without an excellent team, these tasks would have been even more difficult.

UBTaktuell: You stepped in as acting Chancellor during the parental leave of the current Chancellor and handed over leadership of the Human Resources Department to Dr. Dinglreiter last autumn. How did you experience this period? What were the biggest challenges of representing the Chancellor?

Roland Jakisch: Dr. Dinglreiter had already taken on a significant part of the HR responsibilities a few years ago when former Chancellor Dr. Zanner transferred to Nuremberg. Thankfully, this meant she was well-prepared to lead the department from the outset when she officially took over in October. This allowed me to focus fully on representing Dr. Kaiser. One of the most striking aspects of this role was the sheer number of meetings and discussions. Fortunately, I was supported by highly committed and well-coordinated teams, which made my work significantly easier.

UBTaktuell: What will you miss the most? And what are you looking forward to in retirement?

Roland Jakisch: I will truly miss my wonderful colleagues – in every area, from the Human Resources Department to the administrative offices and advisory teams. Now, I’m looking forward to some long-awaited trips that I’ve had to postpone over the years. I also plan to learn Spanish – hopefully, I’ll stick with it!

UBTaktuell: Is there a message you would like to leave for UBT staff?

Roland Jakisch: Appreciate what you have at “our” university from various perspectives. I can hardly imagine a more stimulating and exciting work environment.