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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

Artistic development at UFS to transform the face of Bloemfontein creatively

2015-07-02

The 7-metre high ‘Urban Fox’ is one of Alex Rinsler's artworks adding a fragment of the wild to the city of Shanghai in China.

Bold, bright, and beautiful public art sculptures are in the inception phase at the university’s Bloemfontein Campus. Manchester-based public artist, Alex Rinsler, of the Programme for Innovation in Artform Development (PIAD)’s forum for artist development, is to install three enthralling sculptures in the city of Bloemfontein.

The PIAD forum for artist development is an initiative of the Vrystaat Arts Festival, formerly known as the Vryfees, which aims to celebrate art in the Free State by hosting experimental art practices. In its capacity as a PIAD partner, the University of the Free State promotes increased access to, and participation in, culture as a form of human development.

Presenting an artist’s talk titled ‘Urban Safari: Art in public space,’ on the Bloemfontein Campus recently Rinsler introduced himself and his creative ideas to students, staff, and the public at the Johannes Stegman Art Gallery. The talk served as an invitation to the active participation of Bloemfontein citizens in all phases leading to the installations. Dispersed across the Mangaung Metropolitan, the giant sculptures are intended to capture and reflect different aspects of the community’s lived experiences.

As a public artist based in the United Kingdom (UK), Rinsler has exhibited in cities nationally and internationally, with the intention of bringing a touch of the wild to urban lives. His vision is to witness the development of cities into cultural boulevards, and explore “what we can do to bring back the sense of nature, the wild” by adding new symbolism to urban lifestyle.

“I believe in creating work accessible to the public, which stimulates conversation,” said the Clore Leadership Programme Fellow (University of Manchester) and Founder of Pirate Technics - an artistic practice company.

In 2012, he worked with 31 Master’s students from 24 countries on an icon for global peace named “Under the Baobab” in London. The colourful and magnificent Baobab tree made from pieces of fabric representing distinct cultures told the story of migration to London.

Rinsler is determined that the Bloemfontein “project, similar to the London installation, will create imagery that people will remember.”

Dr Ricardo Peach, Director of the Vrystaat Arts Festival and PIAD, hopes the project fosters diversity while producing a “communal cultural product."

“What I know about Alex’s work is that he will be working with what he calls a self-selected community, people who are interested in this, and who want to work together to build these sculptures, as part as a process for them to get a sense of where they belong, and their input into the city. It’s about people telling their own stories.”

The public installations are a way of transforming the landscape, and connecting people of “a place like Bloemfontein where communities are often still so divided,” said Peach.

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