The University of Mons (UMONS) has welcomed a new Rector. On 1 October 2026, Professor Laurent Lefebvre officially succeeded Professor Philippe Dubois, marking the beginning of a new four-year term.
The transition was symbolically celebrated during UMONS’ academic opening ceremony on 30 September. This year’s ceremony was dedicated to the theme of “Transmission”, an especially fitting theme as the rectoral insignia was passed from the outgoing Rector to his successor.
After two terms in office, Philippe Dubois leaves a university that has experienced significant development, with its student population more than doubling over the past 17 years and its academic, research and international activities continuing to grow.
In taking on the role, Professor Laurent Lefebvre paid tribute to the work of his predecessor and described the transition as a mission being passed on: a mark of trust, but also an invitation to act.
The new Rector has set out a vision centred on consolidating UMONS’ recent development and strengthening its long-term resilience. After a period of rapid growth, the new rectoral team intends to consolidate the university’s achievements while preparing it for the major digital, environmental, societal and financial transitions ahead.
Professor Lefebvre will be supported by First Vice-Rector Professor Laurence Ris and a team of Vice-Rectors responsible for education and student affairs, research and innovation, community life and transitions, and international relations.
For EUNICE, this includes an important commitment to European cooperation. UMONS has reaffirmed its ambition to remain deeply rooted in the Hainaut region while continuing to strengthen its European and international reach, notably through its participation in the EUNICE European University Alliance.
