The current term of the Lucas Cranach Campus Foundation’s Board of Trustees concluded on a thoroughly positive note. “The 674 students enrolled in seven degree programs since 2021 show that we have become an important driving force for our region,” emphasized Jens Korn, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, at the board’s final meeting in its current composition.

In addition, approximately six million euros in project-related third-party funding has been secured in recent years. “This means that the district’s investment has already paid for itself over the past 30 years,” said Korn. Since the new district council will also appoint new members to the Foundation Board during its constituent session, the board met for the last time in its current composition. Korn paid special tribute to the great dedication of everyone involved: “You all put your heart and soul into your work for the LCC Foundation.”

Foundation Board Member Hans Rebhan backed up this positive trend with the latest figures. For the 2026 summer semester, 126 new students enrolled. The international degree programs “Digital Business Models and Technologies” and “Autonomous Driving” are particularly in demand. “We currently have 453 enrolled students and will therefore reach the 500 mark in the winter semester,” Rebhan explained. At the same time, he highlighted numerous initiatives through which the foundation helps students feel welcome in Kronach—from the freshman rally organized in collaboration with the gymnastics club to the semester kickoff event at Shanghai, and close cooperation with the student council.

Deputy Foundation Board Chair Prof. Tobias Bocklet emphasized that the Lucas Cranach Campus has an impact far beyond academic operations. He briefed the Foundation Board on ongoing funded projects and particularly highlighted the close collaboration with regional companies. Numerous direct projects demonstrated that the Technology Transfer Center (TTZ) is actively fulfilling its mission to transfer knowledge to the regional economy in a targeted manner and to strengthen local innovation. “That is precisely the core of our work as the TTZ,” said Bocklet. Positive results have also been achieved as part of the “Innovative University” project: To date, 13 workshops have been held at five schools in Kronach, with a total of 199 participants.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Foundation’s Executive Board expressly thanked the current Foundation Board for their trusting and dedicated collaboration during the past term of office. It was their joint support and constructive guidance that made key developments in Kronach as a center of higher education possible in the first place.