Prof Hester C. Klopper
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Prof Hester C. Klopper has been appointed as the 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) since 1 February 2025. She is a global academic leader, experienced executive, published author, and seasoned researcher. Prof Klopper has eight postgraduate qualifications, including a PhD from the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and an MBA from the University of Luton (UK). She also received an honorary doctorate from Oxford Brookes University (UK) for her contribution to the health and nursing sciences. Before joining the UFS, Prof Klopper was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Stellenbosch University for eight and a half years, overseeing Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs (SGCA).
Her quality was recognised as a young academic, as the Minister of Health appointed her to the National Task Force to investigate Nursing Education in South Africa in 1994. The following three years she was listed among the Top 500 Women in South Africa and held more than 30 local and global leadership roles during her career. She has served on numerous global and national boards related to global health, doctoral education, health policy, and nursing science. Between 2013 and 2015, she led one of the world’s largest international membership organisations with more than 135 000 members across 95 countries.
Prof Klopper is a fellow of the Academy of Science of South Africa, was the first South African to be inducted as a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and was a recipient of the Fellowship Ad Eundem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland. In recognition of research excellence, she was inducted into the Sigma Hall of Fame and the Fundisa Hall of Fame.
Her exceptional strategic leadership, research, and teaching skills are reflected in her distinguished career spanning 30 years. Driven by her passion to shape the future through education, development, and service, she continues to be a catalyst for innovation and growth.
Contact:
Office Manager: Mmakoena Mpshane-Nkosi
+27 51 401 7000
MpshaneNkosiM@ufs.ac.za