Therése Iveby Gardell appointed new University Director at the Swedish Defence University

The Swedish Defence University has appointed Therése Iveby Gardell as its new University Director. She joins the university from her most recent position as University Director at Linnaeus University and brings extensive experience from senior roles within the higher education sector.

“We’ve made an excellent recruitment in Therése, and we are very pleased to be bringing such a competent and experienced individual on board. I look forward to our collaboration and to what Therése will contribute,” says Robert Egnell, Vice-Chancellor at the Swedish Defence University.

Therése Iveby Gardell holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, specialising in Mechanical Engineering and Quality, from KTH Royal Institute of Technology. She has previously served as Deputy University Director and Head of the Division for Joint Services and Administration at Uppsala University. Earlier in her career, she was Head of Administration at Gotland University College. For the past six years, she has held the role of University Director at Linnaeus University.

Takes up the position in February 2026

She will take up her post in February 2026, succeeding former University Director Christina Zander, who has been recruited by the Swedish Police Authority, where she now holds national responsibility for police training.

“I am very much looking forward to assuming the role of University Director at the Swedish Defence University and to getting to know the organisation and its staff. It feels good to be able to start the position on 1 February, at the beginning of a new year, while also having the opportunity to conclude my current role at Linnaeus University in a proper manner,” says Therése Iveby Gardell.

At the Swedish Defence University, she will lead, coordinate, and develop the university's operational support, with overall responsibility for areas including finance, human resources, security, and the management control system. As University Director, she will also play a key external representative role, liaising with, among others, government ministries, the Association of Swedish Higher Education Institutions (SUHF), the Swedish Higher Education Authority (UKÄ), as well as regional, national, and international networks.