Lecturer in the spotlight

What is your name? My name is Ursela van de Noort. 

How long have you worked at BUas? I started at BUas (NHTV) in May 2000. I had just graduated from Fontys and joined NHTV to provide administrative support for exams. What began as a temporary three-month job grew into no less than 25 years at BUas last year. 

What is your role within the organisation? Over the past 25 years, I have fulfilled many different roles. I worked as a placement coordinator, account manager, and coordinator of Newways Training Company. For the past eight and a half years, I have been teaching, primarily in the associate degree Tourism & Leisure programme, and together with a colleague I manage the enrolment process for Tourism Management. 

What is your favourite spot on campus and why? My favourite spot on campus is definitely Horizon North. The former convent is a beautiful building where I feel at ease. Students work on the mezzanine and we as colleagues have our own corridor. This is also my favourite place – the first floor.      

Why is working in education and/or at BUas so enjoyable? That answer comes without hesitation: the students. I simply love working with them. Their energy, their curiosity, and their growth make my work worthwhile every single day. I also love organising things, and there is always plenty to arrange at BUas. 

Do you have a lovely, enjoyable, funny or memorable recollection from your work within our organisation? I look back with a big smile on the field trips I supervised, such as the trip to Slovenia for the Tourism Destination Management programme. With a small, close-knit group of students, we took part in amazing activities like hydrospeeding and rafting – it was truly unforgettable. My eight years as coordinator of Newways Training Company also left me with a warm feeling. Organising events, conferences and field trips together with students, spending an entire year as a team, and then successfully pulling off an event together – it gives you a sense of joy. Over the years, I have seen so many students come and go. 

What is the nicest compliment a student has ever given you and what made it so special? "I feel safe in your class and I dare to ask questions." This is a wonderful compliment to me, because if someone feels safe enough to learn, to stumble, and to keep going, then I am doing something right. 

What do you do when you want to completely switch off from work? I put on my walking shoes and head into the woods with Marley (dog) by my side. Animals make me happy – dogs especially. And the combination of fresh air, greenery and a wagging companion is my way of switching off. One benefit of being a teacher is that you have plenty of holidays to get out and about. I absolutely love the sea and snorkelling, so during the holidays I love searching for the ideal travel destination. 

Do you still have contact with former students? If so, in what way? Absolutely! I stay in touch with former students via LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. On top of that, many alumni are now working in the industry, and I regularly run into them again through projects or placement supervision. 

What lesson or advice would you like to share with alumni? Don't forget to live! It might sound obvious, but I know from personal experience how quickly the daily hustle can take over. My advice: do exciting things, and spend time with the people you love.