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The Council of the University of Pretoria (UP) has approved the appointment of Prof Francis Petersen as Vice-Chancellor and Principal as from 1 October 2024.

Prof Petersen has been Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) since 1 April 2017, and has been reappointed in the position by the Council for a second five-year term as from 31 March 2022.

“Prof Petersen’s tenure at the UFS was characterised by remarkable leadership, and the Council has great appreciation for the work he has done as well as for the university’s achievements under his leadership. Excellence, inclusivity, innovation, academic freedom, a particular focus and emphasis on critical enquiry, social responsiveness, and integrity were the value characteristics through which Prof Petersen led as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. He led the university through challenging and complex times – not only for the institution, but also for the higher education sector – with a primary focus on and commitment to stakeholder engagement. He brought stability for the university and placed great emphasis on the institution’s visibility and its impact on society.”

“On behalf of the Council and the entire university community, I thank and commend Prof Petersen for his dedicated leadership and wish him all the best in his new role as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria,” says Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council.

“Serving as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State has been one of the greatest honours of my career, and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together over the past seven years. During my tenure, I have been blessed to work with and meet exceptional staff, students, and other stakeholders from one of the greatest universities in the country in an effort to further advance the UFS nationally and internationally. As I step down, I am grateful for the support and collaboration I have received from our university community, and I am confident that the university is well positioned for continued growth and success,” says Prof Petersen.

The UFS Council will appoint an acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal to serve in this position as from 1 October 2024 until a new incumbent is appointed. This announcement will be made as soon as possible.