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25 March 2024
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Story Anthony Mthembu
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Photo Lutendo Mabata
Prof Nompumelelo Zondi, the newly appointed Vice-Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS).
Prof Nompumelelo Zondi has been appointed as Vice-Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty of The Humanities at the University of the Free State (UFS). Prof Zondi assumed this new role on 1 March 2024 after serving as the Head of Department for African Languages at the University of Pretoria for seven years. “I consider this appointment as an opportunity of growth and learning more about higher education and the Faculty of The Humanities at large,” she said.
Prof Zondi indicates that part of her role is to spearhead the UFS Vision130 within the Faculty of The Humanities, and to ensure that the faculty assists the institution in becoming research-led, student-centred, and globally impactful.
Motivation for assuming this role
One of the primary reasons that led her to consider this role is sharing the knowledge she acquired as part of the Fulbright South African Research Scholar Programme. As a result of that experience and exposure, which went beyond the Ohio State University, she felt it befitting to implement some of the insights she acquired on a bigger scale. Therefore, even though she was impactful in her previous role, Prof Zondi believes that this is an exceptional and more desirable platform to do so. “I feel that I will have easier access to departments within the faculty, while also encouraging and supporting interdepartmental and faculty collaborations,” she explained.
A significant component of Vision 130
He believes that the elements that make up Vision 130 are interrelated. While she considers research central to Vision 130 – as she begins her journey at the UFS, she feels students deserve to be nurtured to further contribute to the university’s impactful research. Thus, student-centredness is the way to go. “I believe that students must be major role players in this Vision130; we must include them in the interactions and discussions that are part of the university’s strategic plan as well as in decision-making processes,” she said. As such, according to Prof Zondi, the more the faculty and the institution care for the students and involve them in Vision130 and in collaborations, the more research outputs the university will achieve.
Dean of student affairs leaves the UFS after 29 years
2008-12-11
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Prof. Teuns Verschoor (left), Acting Rector of the UFS, and Dr Luyt during his farewell function. Prof. Verschoor and Dr Luyt worked together in student affairs at the UFS for 26 years. Prof. Verschoor was Dean of Student Affairs before Dr Luyt took over the reigns from him.
Photo: Lacea Loader |
The Dean of Student Affairs at the University of the Free State (UFS), Dr Natie Luyt, will be leaving the university after 29 years of service.
Dr Luyt decided to retire in order to spend more time with his wife, Ria, and his family. He will also be involved with his farm on a full-time basis.
“I have experienced a lot during my career and have learnt a lot from the staff and students at the UFS. There are students of exceptional quality at the university and it was a privilege to work with these young people. It was also a privilege to see the UFS grow to become the exceptional institution it is today,” Dr Luyt said during his farewell function this week.
Dr Luyt started working at the Department of Political Science of the UFS in 1980 and was appointed as Director of Student Affairs in 1997 and in 2005 as Dean of Student Affairs. During this time he was also closely involved with the Abraham Fischer Residence, where he was residence head since 1982.
Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Acting Rector of the UFS, said in his farewell message that the UFS has appreciation for Dr Luyt’s decades of service. “Dr Luyt had a meaningful life at the UFS. We have appreciation for his ability to deal with difficult cases and for his kind heart where student affairs are concerned. He will be remembered for the way in which he always knew what went on in the residences and that he always put the needs of students first,” said Prof. Verschoor.
Dr Choice Makhetha, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs at the UFS, will act as dean until the post is filled.
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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
11 December 2008
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