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Three Vice-Deans appointed in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

29 September 2023 | Story Veena Naidoo | Photo Supplied

NAS Vice Deans — From left to right: Prof Johan van Niekerk (Vice-Dean for Agriculture), Prof Liezel Herselman (Vice-Dean for Teaching and Learning) and Prof Samuel Adelabu ( Vice-Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies).

The University of the Free State is proud to introduce three esteemed academics who have been appointed as Vice-Deans within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. These appointments, effective from 1 September 2023, mark a significant milestone in enriching our academic leadership and promoting excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. The distinguished individuals selected for these roles bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and dedication, promising to elevate our institution to new heights.

Prof Johan van Niekerk: Vice-Dean for Agriculture

Prof Johan van Niekerk is a prominent figure in the field of Sustainable Food Systems and Development. With a PhD in Sustainable Agriculture and extensive experience in academia, Prof Van Niekerk is well-positioned to lead as the Vice-Dean for Agriculture at the University of the Free State. He has a strong vision for steering the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences towards financial sustainability and global recognition.

One of Prof Van Niekerk's primary goals as Vice-Dean is diversifying funding sources for the faculty, aiming to extend beyond government funding by establishing strategic partnerships with industries and foundations. His active involvement in regional and global agricultural forums underscores his commitment to collaborative research initiatives, further enhancing our faculty's reputation.

In response to the pressing issue of climate change, Prof Van Niekerk's research vision is centred on sustainable agricultural production. He plans to leverage the Paradys Experimental Farm, integrating research, teaching, and practical experiences to fortify our foundation for sustainable agricultural innovation. This approach is designed to equip our students for a rapidly evolving employment market and aligns with the university's Vision 130 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On his appointment, Prof Van Niekerk said, “I am excited about this position's prospects and am confident that agriculture will help deliver the SDGs and the UFS Vision 130. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.”

Prof Liezel Herselman: Vice-Dean for Teaching and Learning

Prof Liezel Herselman, a distinguished academic with nearly three decades of experience, has assumed the role of Vice-Dean for Teaching and Learning. Her extensive academic journey, including various leadership roles within the university, showcases her dedication to education and academic advancement.

In this vital role, Prof Herselman will focus on strategic matters, curriculum innovation, and compliance with academic regulations. Her objective is to align the curricula with Vision 130, making the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences the preferred choice for prospective students. Prof Herselman emphasises digital transformation and entrepreneurial projects to provide a cutting-edge educational experience for students, ensuring they meet industry needs and are ready for future employability challenges.

On assuming her new position as Vice-Dean Prof Herselman said, “I am honoured and excited about receiving this opportunity to make a positive and constructive contribution to our faculty. I am still to learn the ropes of some of the teaching and learning processes, but I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and having to move out of my current comfort zone.”

Prof Samuel Adelabu: Vice-Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies

Prof Samuel Adelabu, an esteemed expert in Geography, has been appointed as the Vice-Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies. Prof Adelabu has a profound interest in the application of remote sensing and geographic information systems, making him well-suited to lead research and postgraduate activities within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

His portfolio includes promoting impactful research and postgraduate initiatives in line with the university's Vision 130, with a special focus on visibility, renewal, and reimagination. Prof Adelabu's leadership is anticipated to foster a thriving research culture and enrich the postgraduate experience at the UFS.

Commenting on his appointment Prof Adelabu remarked, “I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise and leadership as Vice-Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies to the faculty, and work with a team of dedicated professionals to advance the institution's research and postgraduate agenda.”

Future endeavours

These appointments underscore the university’s unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, research innovation, and enhanced learning experiences. The collective expertise and dedication of Prof Johan van Niekerk, Prof Liezel Herselman, and Prof Samuel Adelabu promise a bright future for their respective faculties and the university at large. We extend our hearty congratulations and eagerly anticipate the positive impact they will bring to our academic community.

News Archive

Applications for the Vice-Chancellor's Prestige Programme for 2013/2014 now open

2012-12-06

This highly prestigious programme, led by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State, seeks to identify, develop and promote the next cohort of the most promising and talented UFS academic members of staff who obtained a doctoral degree within the last five years. These are young scholars who have chosen academic careers and who are focused and determined to become senior academics in their respective disciplines.

Once identified, these scholars will be put through an intensive programme of academic and scholarship support that includes an advanced residential programme, exposure to leading scholars, intensive reading and writing programmes, high-level seminar participation and presentation, nuanced publication schedules and personal mentoring and advice.

The selection process is highly competitive, and aimed at those young scholars with the potential to obtain upper-level ratings (Y1 and P). The selection criteria include the following:(1)

1. Recently obtained a PhD degree.

2. Evidence of an active publication record.
3. Early recognition of scholarly work, e.g. successful funding/grant applications and academic awards.
4. The early development of a post-doctoral intellectual project that shows evidence of scholarly “potential” (defined by the NRF Y-category).
5. Indication of the young scholar’s understanding of what their envisaged postdoctoral endeavours will contribute to the body of knowledge.

This period of support will run over a cycle of two years after which a new intake of next generation professors will be selected.

While this cohort will be selected for an intensive programme, ongoing development and support of all young scholars will continue. The selected scholars will reflect a balance of young academics from the humanities (broadly defined, including education, law, theology and the social sciences) and the natural sciences (broadly defined, including the agricultural and health sciences).

Call for Applications

This is a call for applications for the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Programme for 2013/2014. Candidates are invited to submit applications. No nomination is required, but deans and heads of department will also be asked to invite young scholars to apply. Complete applications are due by Monday 21 January 2013. A full application will include the following documentation:

1. A complete curriculum vitae of the candidate.
2. A complete exercise of intent comprising the following:
2.1   Select two journal articles (copies of which to accompany the application) in the area you have identified for your intellectual focus post PhD. These articles have to be selected from journals of international standing in your field.
2.2   The articles need to be summarised (250 words each), and
2.3   Two questions have to be identified that you would want to pursue in relation to your intended project.
2.4   This is followed by a brief, critical summary of a hundred lines maximum to indicate how these articles inform, integrate or provoke your planned future research.

Submission and contact address

A paper copy of the application must be submitted to the Vice-Chancellor’s secretary, Ms Melissa Coetzee, in the Main Building by 16:00 on Monday 21 January 2013 and an electronic copy of your entire application to the administrative assistant, Mr Albert Nell:nella@ufs.ac.za. You will be contacted to acknowledge receipt. Candidates will be informed of the outcome in February. Further information on the Vice-Chancellor’s Prestige Scholar Programme can be directed at any of the following co-directors (in alphabetical order):

Prof Jackie du Toit, Prof Neil Roos, Prof Aldo Stroebel or Prof Corli Witthuhn.

[1] The VC reserves the right to nominate young scholars to the programme and also to invite scholars to a panel interview to evaluate personal qualities, professional commitment and academic ambition.

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