Newly appointed Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Deresh Ramjugernath says he looks forward to building from where his predecessor, outgoing Professor Wim de Villiers left off, when he officially takes the reins in April.
Ramjugernath, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching becomes the university’s 13th rector (although the title of this post has changed a number of times over the last 100 years), according to the university.
“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the opportunity to serve and lead one of the top universities on the African continent. I am immensely thankful to the Stellenbosch University Council for having the confidence in my vision to take the institution to the next tier in being a world-class research-intensive university that is in service to society,” said Ramjugernath.
“Stellenbosch is locally and globally respected and admired for its academic excellence, and I look forward to the period of close collaboration with Prof De Villiers before officially taking office in April next year and building on his tremendous tenure and achievements over the past decade.”
Ramjugernath’s appointment comes after a local and international recruitment process, including presentations by and interviews of short-listed candidates at the Senior Appointments Committee, Senate and the Institutional Forum and Council meetings.
Stellenbosch University Council chairperson, Nicky Newton-King said: “We are delighted with Prof Ramjugernath’s appointment and look forward to having him lead our special institution on the next stage of its journey.
“He is an excellent academic and seasoned administrator and Council has no doubt that he will be a worthy successor to Prof De Villiers.”
Prior to his appointment as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching in January 2021, Ramjugernath was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Acknowledging Council’s difficult task, Newton-King said: “SU’s achievements attracted top candidates locally and internationally to apply.
“Kudos for this goes to Prof De Villiers, his Rectorate team and the nearly 3 500 Stellenbosch academics and professional and administrative support staff who ensure that SU continues to attract top staff and students and deliver top research and student results. The Council is most grateful for this.”
Cape Times