12 January 2024
|
Story Leonie Bolleurs
|
Photo Sonia Small
Some of the top women scholars in the Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme are, from the left: Dr Ntsoaki Lucia Meko, Dr Angélique Lewies, Dr Nthatisi Nyembe, Dr Matshediso Moleko, Dr Anke Wilhelm, Dr Catherine S. Namakula; and front: Dr Maréve IM Biljohn.
Since the inception of the Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme at the UFS in the second half of 2019, the programme has contributed to increased research productivity, scholarly excellence, and societal impact among the group members. The programme has led to more than twenty promotions to associate professor level, three vice-dean appointments, leadership roles in academic departments, and others receiving NRF ratings.
Growing our own timber
Apart from an upward career trajectory, this initiative generates a large number of excellence awards and positive feedback from participants regarding their professional and personal development. Dr Henriëtte van den Berg, Manager of the Transformation of the Professoriate Mentoring Programme, loves seeing people succeed and find meaning in their work.
“The opportunity to work with young colleagues with excellent commitment, perseverance, and enthusiasm is inspiring and energising,” she remarks.
The programme addresses different developmental and support needs, including mentoring, coaching, peer support, and a wide range of strategies aimed at quality output, increased impact, and relevance to the broader society.
“We aim to establish mentoring as a critical talent management strategy that every staff member has access to. This objective is closely aligned with the vision of the university to grow our own timber and expose staff members to opportunities to optimise their scholarly contributions and impact,” says Dr Van den Berg.
Opportunity to clarity career goals
She believes that the programme provides the opportunity for the participants to clarify their career goals and to find the resources necessary to achieve these goals. Alumni who have participated in this endeavour appreciate how much they have benefited from the mentorship provided and are committed to sharing their experiences with other colleagues.
The programme is based on the best practice principles of researcher development, providing a wide array of support and development activities for all group members, while being tailored to the individual needs of participants.