Elsebeth Gerner Nielsen has been rector of Kolding School of Design since 2008. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Science from the University of Southern Denmark. She has worked as head of a cultural house, a teacher at University of Southern Denmark, and as a researcher at the Development Centre for Public information and Adult Education. From 1994-2007, she was a member of the Danish Parliament, and for a period of four years she was Danish Minister of Culture. Alongside her work as rector,she serves as a board member of The Center for Culture and Experience Economy, Chairman of the Danish Center for Culture and Development a member of the Advisory Board of Aalto University, Helsinki, among others, and recently served as a member of the Design Vision2020 Committee established by the Danish government. She has written several books and articles on culture, public awareness, and design.

Elsebeth Gerner Nielsen lives in Kolding with her husband and youngest daughter.