Jack Ågren, Professor of Criminal Law
Jack Ågren, Professor of Criminal Law at Karlstad Business School, took the step away from the bustle and concrete of the big city in order to experience nature, crisp clean air, to stand face to face with roe deer, and also to realise ambitious dreams of ideal living. But how did it come about that he chose to leave Stockholm for Värmland and Karlstad University?
– When the former Director of Studies for the law programme at Karlstad University contacted me a number of years ago to enquire about my possible interest in leaving my position at Stockholm University in favour of Karlstad University, I initially had a rather reluctant attitude.
– My instinctive feeling was that Karlstad and Värmland would probably struggle to offer anything not already available in our beautiful capital. Professionally, I had a good position as a Senior Lecturer in Criminal Law at Stockholm University, with pleasant colleagues and curious, eager students who were a great pleasure to teach. In addition, there was close proximity to authorities, companies and other organisations relevant to both research and teaching. The idea of leaving Stockholm felt even more alien on a personal level.
– As a native of Stockholm, my wife and I were very happy in our older-style flat. Family, relatives and friends were within commuting distance, and we believed that Stockholm’s range of high-quality gastronomy, culture, sport and other activities that we, as mature adults (well…25+…) enjoy could not be surpassed. But why not! A meeting with those responsible for the law programme at Karlstad University might still be worthwhile. If nothing else, it could turn into a pleasant trip to Karlstad.
The meeting with Karlstad University seems to have gone well – four years later, you are still here
– My wife and I are now convinced “Värmlanders”. Despite a lingering Stockholm accent, I am completely won over, both professionally and privately. I have been asked by friends and former colleagues from Stockholm whether I regret moving here. My answer is always the same: I regret not moving here earlier.
What would you say are the main differences between the law programmes at Stockholm University and Karlstad University?
– Compared with the law programme at Stockholm University, the programme at Karlstad University (which must still be considered “new”) is relatively small in terms of both staff and students. There are of course “economies of scale” at larger institutions—particularly when it comes to research environments—although I would emphasise our “smallness” as something positive.
– As a lecturer, I have a completely different opportunity to get to know the students and to follow their development from start to finish, with a particular focus on progression. We lecturers are not alone in noticing our students’ development—employers do as well. Furthermore, I believe that the risks of an anonymised (and potentially dissatisfied) teaching body are smaller, as each individual staff member and their needs can be more easily recognised. Quite simply, we have to care about one another, take initiative, be creative, collaborate, and contribute to a positive working environment if we are to compete with larger universities. Everyone is needed and no one is forgotten! This also reduces the risk of unhealthy hierarchies and privileges emerging—any tendencies in that direction are detected more quickly and can then be counteracted. Another observation is how, within our subject group, we work together to highlight good examples, such as a “profile subject”. There is not the same level of competition as may exist at a larger university, which makes it easier for good ideas to take root and gain attention.
On a personal level, then—has it turned out as you expected?
– When it comes to life outside work, it is impossible to briefly describe the uplift it has meant to leave the concrete of Stockholm in favour of beautiful Värmland. I would particularly highlight the natural environment. I had not understood the value of proximity to forests and water until I moved here. It should also be emphasised that property prices make it possible to realise ambitious housing dreams. As a priceless complement, there is the clean air and the tranquillity, as well as the wildlife. Neither my wife nor I had previously experienced being inspected by a roe deer while preparing dinner—but it has happened here!
– And by the way! There is good food, culture and sport in Värmland too—although admittedly not teams quite as good as Hammarby and Timrå IK. Finally, I have been asked to give one piece of advice to anyone considering moving to Värmland and Karlstad University. My advice can only be: drop everything and come here—it is worth it!