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20 June 2023 | Story Melissa Kilian | Photo Supplied
Melissa Kilian
Melissa Kilian is a Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy.

The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating Youth Month by showcasing the positive influence of the institution on career development. As part of this initiative, we are sharing the stories of UFS alumni who are now working at the university.

Melissa Kilian, Lecturer in the Department of Occupational Therapy, shares her UFS journey:

Q: Year of graduation from the UFS:

A: 2011 and 2021.

Q: Qualification obtained from the UFS:

A: Baccalaureus and Master of Occupational Therapy.

Q: Date of joining the UFS as a staff member:

A: 1 June 2022 (employed for one year this month).

Q: Initial job title and current job title:

A: Lecturer in Occupational Therapy.

Q: How did the UFS prepare you for the professional world?

A: The UFS provided me with excellent clinical exposure to the diverse profession of occupational therapy. Additionally, the occupational therapy undergraduate course provided many opportunities for promoting self-awareness and self-development and entering the workforce as a graduate willing to explore the dimensions of the profession and what my unique contribution can be.

Q: What are your thoughts on transitioning from a UFS alumnus to a staff member?

A: Since being employed with the UFS, I have a deeper acknowledgement and appreciation for lecturers, as well as a multi-layered understanding of the importance of curriculum development and how this translates into students becoming competent graduates.

Q: Any additional comments about your experience?

A: It’s been quite an experience ...!

News Archive

UFS strengthens ties with university in the Netherlands
2010-04-20

 
From the left are: Prof. Neil Heideman, Acting Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences; Mr Johan van Niekerk, Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development; and Mr Herman van de Wal, Dronten University.
Photo: Stephen Collett
 
 The Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development (CENSARD) at the University of the Free State hosted a visiting academic and livestock specialist from Dronten University in the Netherlands, Mr Herman van der Wal.

Mr Van der Wal paid visits to Mr Arthur Johnson from the International Office; Proff. Frans Swanepoel, Director of Research Development; Neil Heideman, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences; and Izak Groenewald, Director of CENSARD.

Collaboration is currently taking place between the centre and Dronten University. Future exchange of students, lecturers and academic and administrative knowledge was discussed. From next year, Dronten University will be offering a distance-learning M.Sc. in Agriculture and for this reason Mr Van der Wal looked into the model that is currently used by the centre.

The visit was very successful and doors were opened for future exchanges, including a planned visit by delegates from the centre to Dronten University later this year.

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