University Council

The University Council plays a central role within the university. Its eight members are appointed by the Hessian Ministry of Higher Education, Research and the Arts (HMWK) for a period of four years, with Hochschule Geisenheim University having a 50% say. The members of the council are leading figures from society, science, business or culture. The council advises the President’s Council and has a supervisory role, with access to all university records and files.  

The council also oversees the election of the members of the President’s Council, and approves the annual report and financial report. In addition, the University Council's approval is required for many important decisions, such as budget planning and the introduction or termination of degree programs.

At present, the University Council has six members. By letter dated December 15, 2022, they were appointed by the HMWK for a term of four years pursuant to section 48 (7) Hessian Higher Education Act.

The term of office begins retroactively on July 1, 2022 for a period of four years (until June 30, 2026)

• Dr. Hermann Kolesch, Chair
  Former President of Bayerische Landesanstalt für Wein- und Gartenbau

• Dipl.-Ing. Christof Heil, Deputy Chair
  Managing Partner Kelterei Heil OHG

• Dr. Christoph-Friedrich von Braun, M. Sc.
  Managing Board Andrea von Braun Stiftung

• Prof. Dr. Beate Jessel
  Professor Landscape Development Universität EPFL, Lausanne Schweiz

• Prof. Dr. Antje Krause
  President of Bingen Technical University of Applied Sciences

• Monika Reule
  Managing Director of Deutsches Weininstitut, Member of the Board of Deutscher Weinfonds

• Dr. Christian Fischer
  Hessian Ministry of the Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture and Consumer Protection
• Dr. Rainer Gruhlich
  Hessian Ministry of Science and the Arts