Prof Anthea Rhoda
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal 













Prof Anthea Rhoda, currently serving as acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS), is an esteemed academic leader with an extensive physiotherapy and health sciences education background. 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 and Acting 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 chairmanship of various committees, including the South African Committee of Health Science Deans and the Quality Improvement Portfolio Committee of the South African Society of Physiotherapy.

Prof Rhoda’s contributions extend beyond her home institution. She is involved in numerous professional bodies and editorial boards, including the South African Journal of Health Professions Education and the Open Physio Journal. She also serves on several advisory committees, including the WHO Expert Group on Credentialing and the CHE Advisory Committee on Nursing Legacy Programmes.

She has completed prestigious leadership training programmes, including the Strategic Management Programme at the University of Oxford's SAID Business School (2023) and Coaching in the Workplace at the South African College of Applied Psychology (2021). Her expertise in medical education is 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.

Contact:
Office Manager: Mmakoena Mpshane-Nkosi
+27 51 401 7000
MpshaneNkosiM@ufs.ac.za