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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

University of Leeds professor an inspiration
2016-09-19

Description: Academic Conversation  Tags: Academic Conversation

Prof Shirley Anne Tate, Associate Professor
at the University of Leeds; Eddie de Wet and
Emme-Lancia Faro, both from Student
Communities; Pura Mgolombane, Dean of
Student Affairs; and Dr WP Wahl, Assistant
Director of Student Communities.
Photo: Qhamani Tshazi

Prof Shirley Anne Tate from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom inspired students at the second Academic Conversation held at the University of the Free State on the Bloemfontein Campus.

“Academics such as Prof Tate play a vital role in building bridges between students with high demands of ‘transformation’ and university managements that struggle to meet students halfway.”

These were the words of Jani Swart, current Primaria of Welwitschia residence, who attended the dialogue session. She said, however, she wished that more students had the opportunity and willingness to be guided by Prof Tate.

Prof Tate is an Associate Professor in Race and Culture at the Centre for Ethnicity and Racism Studies, School of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Leeds. She is also a visiting Professor and Research Fellow at the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice at UFS.

Professor Tate captivated the students when she addressed them on the topic of Wellbeing in Higher Education Institutions.

The Academic Conversation was hosted by the Office of Student Affairs on 1 August 2016.

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