Dean ESHPM steps down after complaints about improper behaviour

Hans Severens of Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management (ESHPM) has stepped down as dean. He resigned after an investigation by the Commission on Sexual Harassment, Aggression and Violence (SIAG) into two complaints against the dean. Based on the commission’s counsel, EUR’s Executive Board has decided to look into the allegations.

This was confirmed to Erasmus Magazine by various sources. The complaints against Severens were lodged by two women, according to EM’s research.

The Executive Board, which sent out a concise message on Friday confirming Severens’s resignation, has so far refused to offer any further details regarding this case. The message posted on EUR’s intranet refers to personal circumstances forcing the administrator to lay down a share of his responsibilities, but does not mention a third-party investigation.

Severens does not wish to comment on this case pending the independent third-party investigation. He has, however, stated that it was his personal decision to step down as dean. While he will be staying on as professor, he will no longer be giving lectures or handling any administrative roles at ESHPM.

Werner Brouwer acting dean

The Executive Board has announced that the appointment procedure for a new dean will be starting in the short term. Professor of Health Economics Werner Brouwer, who previously worked as dean from 2012 to 2018, will serve as acting dean for the time being.

Health scientist Severens has played a prominent role in Dutch healthcare for quite a few years. For example, between 2014 and 2017, Severens served as Vice President of the Health Council of the Netherlands. After building his career in Maastricht and Nijmegen, he joined Erasmus University in 2009, where he holds a professorship in Evaluation in Healthcare. Severens has served as ESHPM dean since 1 January 2018.