Prof Anthea Rhoda, currently serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the University of the Free State (UFS), is an esteemed academic leader with an extensive background in physiotherapy and health sciences education. Her academic journey is marked by distinguished qualifications, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Physiotherapy from the University of the Western Cape (2010), a Master of Science in Medical Sciences (Rehabilitation) from Stellenbosch University (2002), and a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from the University of the Western Cape (1988).

Her leadership roles are as notable as her academic achievements. She has held pivotal positions at the University of the Western Cape, such as Dean of the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences, Deputy Dean of Learning and Teaching, and Head of the Department of Physiotherapy. Her leadership is further demonstrated through her chairing of various committees, including the South African Committee of Health Sciences Deans and the Quality Improvement Portfolio Committee of the South African Society of Physiotherapy.

Prof Rhoda’s contributions extend beyond her home institution. She currently serves on the board of the South African Journal of Physiotherapy. She is also a member of the WHO Technical Expert Group (TEG) contributing to the development of a policy framework for the recognition of learning achievement in continuing education for health and care workers, and serves on the Strategic Committee of the Southern African Hub of the Education Collaborative.

She has completed prestigious leadership training programmes, including the Strategic Management Programme at the University of Oxford's Saïd Business School (2023) and Coaching in the Workplace at the South African College of Applied Psychology (2021). Her expertise in medical education was bolstered by completing the ESME Lead Change in Medical Education Online Course (2018).

Throughout her career, she has championed numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing academic and teaching excellence. She has facilitated capacity-building programmes, mentored academics, and spearheaded curriculum development projects. Her research interests lie in stroke rehabilitation, neurology, and interprofessional education, where she has published extensively and guided postgraduate research.

Her dedication to advancing health sciences education and her commitment to fostering academic excellence and social justice make her a distinguished leader and scholar.

Prof Rhoda was appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic of the UFS on 1 March 2024.