Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla is an accomplished scholar and academic leader whose career reflects sustained excellence in teaching, research, academic development, and institutional leadership at the University of the Free State.
She currently serves as Academic Head and Senior Lecturer in the Division of Student Learning and Development within the Faculty of Health Sciences, where she leads academic support and development initiatives for approximately 1 800 undergraduate students. In this role, she provides strategic direction for academic advising, facilitates faculty-wide academic development planning, and represents the Division in key institutional committees and stakeholder structures.
Her academic career began in Biochemistry, progressing from Junior Lecturer to Lecturer before transitioning into Health Professions Education, where she has made a significant impact in student success, transition frameworks, and social learning integration. She holds a BSc and MSc in Biochemistry, both completed with distinction, and a PhD in Health Professions Education from the University of the Free State.
Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla has supervised multiple Master’s and PhD candidates to completion and has contributed extensively to scholarly knowledge through peer-reviewed journal publications, book chapters, and national and international conference presentations. Her research focuses on first-year student transitions, social learning, academic integration, and student success in medical education.
She has secured substantial external and institutional funding, including NRF support, HWSETA bursaries, research assistantships, and academic development funding. In addition to her academic leadership, she serves as Central Region Chairperson of the ELETSA Academic Advising network and contributes nationally as a reviewer, examiner, and scholarly peer.
Her career reflects a trajectory of academic distinction, scholarly impact, and transformative leadership within higher education.
Dr Nokuthula Tlalajoe-Mokhatla embodies the very essence of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alum of the Year Award: sustained excellence, transformative leadership, and unwavering commitment to the University of the Free State.
Her journey represents a full-circle legacy of academic distinction at UFS. From undergraduate studies through to doctoral completion, she has demonstrated consistent academic excellence, graduating with distinction at both undergraduate and Master’s levels before earning her PhD in Health Professions Education. Her academic trajectory reflects resilience, intellectual growth, and an enduring dedication to scholarly development.
Beyond personal academic success, her impact is deeply institutional and societal. As Academic Head of the Division of Student Learning and Development, she leads strategic initiatives that directly influence student retention, progression, and success in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Her work in academic advising, student transition, and social learning integration has shaped frameworks that support vulnerable and first-year students, contributing meaningfully to transformation and equity in higher education.
Her scholarly contributions extend nationally and internationally through peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, conference presentations, and academic leadership roles. She has supervised postgraduate students, examined theses internally and externally, and served as a national leader in academic advising through ELETSA. Her research advances the discourse on student transition, integration, and graduate development in health sciences education.
Dr Tlalajoe-Mokhatla’s ability to bridge research, teaching, leadership, and community impact distinguishes her as a scholar-practitioner of integrity and influence. She has secured significant funding to support student development and research initiatives, further demonstrating her commitment to institutional growth and student empowerment.
Her career reflects not only professional achievement but also ethical leadership, mentorship, and a deep investment in the success of others. She represents the University of the Free State with distinction, contributes to its academic reputation, and exemplifies the values of excellence, inclusion, and transformative education.