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Two master’s degrees in 20 months: Stefanus Scheepers’ remarkable academic journey

12 December 2024 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Supplied

Completing a master’s degree in record time is a remarkable achievement, but for Stefanus Scheepers, Senior Admin Assistant Officer at the University of the Free State Faculty of Education, it marked the beginning of an even more extraordinary academic journey. In a feat few could match, he earned two master’s degrees in just 20 months.

Scheepers’ first degree, a Master of Education specialising in Higher Education Studies, was conferred by the University of the Free State (UFS) on 9 December 2024. His thesis, ‘Effective Pedagogical Practices Teaching Assistants Use in Hybrid Teaching Modes: A Community of Inquiry Approach’, explored innovative teaching strategies in hybrid learning environments.

The second degree, a Master of Science by Research in Sustainable African Futures, was conferred through the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme. His thesis, ‘Investigating the Perception, Adoption, and Utilization of Generative Artificial Intelligence in South African Higher Education Institutions’, examined the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) on sustainable education in South Africa.

“My experience presenting workshops on GAI tools and its misuse by students sparked my research interest,” he explained. The resulting mini-dissertation shed light on the critical need for sustainable education practices in an era increasingly influenced by AI. This theme will continue as Scheepers embarks on a PhD at Wits University in 2025, exploring how to balance GAI’s benefits and risks in education.

Initially, Scheepers embarked on a part-time master’s degree in 2023 at the UFS while working full-time. “I hadn’t planned to complete two degrees,” he said, “but my supervisor’s encouragement and excellent guidance made completing the degree within a year seem possible.” Midway through, however, a nomination from the Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Education changed everything. The WESAF Doctoral Programme offered an opportunity that was too valuable to pass up, even though it added another degree to his demanding schedule.

“At first I was very hesitant, but my supervisor said that I would regret not taking it”, he said with a smile.

Time management does the trick

Balancing the demands of studying for two master’s degrees was no small feat. Scheepers chose to embrace meticulous time management, creating a schedule that integrated study and rest.

“Time management is not just about making a plan but sticking to it,” he emphasised. This structured approach allowed him to maximise productivity without burnout. “I must admit, working at night in your office did feel strange at first, but tranquil after a while.” Weekends included much-needed downtime, which helped him maintain resilience throughout.

Reflecting on this intense period, Scheepers attributes his success to cumulative skills gained over the years. “Every skill learnt in prior degrees was put to the test. The journey wasn’t easy, but intentionally applying these skills made the challenge rewarding.”

After nearly six years at higher education institutions – Scheepers’ career ambition is to transition into a lecturer role, with the hope of passing on his research and hands-on experience to a new generation of students.

When asked what he would share with prospective students at the UFS, Scheepers said, “The path to success isn’t always straightforward. I’ve experienced setbacks, even dropping out twice before finding my footing. But each challenge taught me resilience and determination. To all students: Keep going, even when the journey feels daunting. Every obstacle you overcome is a step closer to your goals. Remember, success is not about avoiding failure but learning and growing stronger with each experience. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and trust the process – you can do much more than you may realise.”

This remarkable dual graduation is not only a rare achievement in academia but also highlights Scheepers’ exceptional time management, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment to advancing the fields of education and sustainable futures.

News Archive

Agriculture must adapt to change

2008-11-28

At the launch of "50 years of agriculture" at the UFS were, from the left: Mr Corwyn Botha: Chairman: Agri Business Chamber and Managing Director: Cape Agri Group, Mr Motsepe Matlala, President of NAFU, Mr Hans van der Merwe, Executive Head: Agri SA, Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk: Dean: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the UFS, and Mr Sugar Ramakarane, Head: Department of Agriculture, Free State Province.
Photo: Lacea Loader

“The biggest factor driving agriculture today is change. Our major challenge is to adapt to this changing environment.” This was stated by Prof. Herman van Schalkwyk, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) during the recent celebration of the faculty’s “50 years in agriculture”.

Prof. Van Schalkwyk stated that the most important changes include power relationships in supply chains, consumer demand, new products and technology in agriculture, government action and developments in neighbouring states. “At the moment there is very little cooperation between small-scale farmers, small-scale farmers and commercial farmers and farmers and processors. There are also low levels of processing, low levels of value adding and a lack of creative thinking in agriculture," he said.

“This must change – we need comprehensive agricultural support and new business ideas in agriculture. We need better infrastructure, value chain financing and improved institutional support,” he said.

Speaking about agriculture and institutional co-operation in the Free State, Mr Sugar Ramakarane, Chief Director of the Free State Department of Agriculture, said that the UFS plays a vital role in bringing together organised agriculture in the province. “The responsibility of transforming our economy cannot be done by government alone. We need partners like the UFS to assist us with bringing together the two most important stakeholders of the agricultural sector, namely the National Farmers’ Union (NAFU) and Free State Agriculture. You can assist us with harnessing co-operation and providing practical solutions," he said

Mr Ramakarane said that his department is aware of the university’s good work with emerging farmers. “But, I want to encourage the university to help us with skills transfer and the development of the emerging farmers. You can play a vital role in developing a mentorship programme. Yours remains a central and critical role of being torch bearers in guiding the transformation agenda of our country," he said.

In his contribution on the challenges of small scale farmers in South Africa and the role of the university, Mr Motsepe Matlala, President of NAFU, said that unity in organised agriculture and working together with other stakeholders has become even more crucial with regard to the global challenges now faced by the country. “The university should take the lead in guiding all farmers on how to respond to, among others, the global financial turmoil and politics, developments in trade negotiations, food prices, input costs and the availability of energy," he said.

“If the UFS, and more specifically the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, is to continue to play a leading role in academia as well as in the production of research that matters to the growth and development of this country, it must adopt an approach that seeks to harness the capacity of everyone in an inclusive manner. The strides already made in this regard must be applauded,” Mr Matlala said.

Speaking on the future challenges in agriculture and the role of universities, Mr Hans van der Merwe, Executive Head of Agri SA said that South Africa has not spent money on agricultural development in a long time. “We must increase our product capacity in the agricultural sector. Universities must focus on cultivating enough expertise and the skills necessary to manage the resources and capacity needed," he said. In his view, South Africa must also focus on technological advancement in agriculture as this has also been neglected in the past. He urged universities to provide best-practice education and to look at international trends in agricultural training. “That is why we should not only focus our attention on South Africa, but on southern Africa,” Mr van der Merwe said.

In conclusion to the day’s programme, Mr Corwyn Botha, Chairperson of the Agricultural Business Chamber, Managing Director of the Cape Agri Group and former Kovsie stated that: “If you want to be an example of leadership, people around you must do better because you are there. A university should evaluate itself in this context. You cannot create solutions to problems with the same attitude in which the problems were created."

Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
28 November 2008

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