Margit Raich Appointed as New Rector of Tirol's UMIT University

The private University for Health in Tyrol (UMIT), located in Hall, is set to welcome Margit Raich as its new rector and managing director, effective January 2026. Raich will succeed Rudolf Steckel, who temporarily led the institution following the dismissal of Sandra Ückert last year.

In a recent announcement from the university, Raich expressed her intention to refine UMIT's strategic direction as a health university. She emphasized her long-standing familiarity with UMIT, noting its promising research fields and dedicated staff across research, teaching, and administration.

Raich was appointed by the general assembly for a three-year term. Cornelia Hagele, the regional councilor for health and science, extended her congratulations, highlighting Raich's extensive academic background and proven leadership skills as essential for the university's future progress.

A social and economic scientist by training, Raich has spent many years at UMIT as an assistant professor and recently held the position of vice-rector for research and development at the Tyrolean University of Education (PHT).

This personnel decision comes amid previous turbulence in university leadership. The former rector, Ückert, was removed from her position in autumn 2024 based on a recommendation from the supervisory board, primarily due to financial management issues. Although her contract was initially set to last until 2028, her removal also resulted in the automatic termination of the mandate for vice-rector and former health councilor Bernhard Tilg, who continued to serve as a professor at UMIT.

Rudolf Steckel stepped in as acting rector after Ückert's departure but is expected to leave the university by the end of the year.

In addition to leadership changes, the university has faced criticism regarding its academic offerings and declining student enrollment. A site analysis commissioned by the regional government in January recommended a thorough evaluation of the scientific landscape in Tyrol, with Hagele acknowledging the need for improvements.

UMIT is predominantly owned by the state, holding a 90% stake, with the remainder held by the Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck.