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Prof Hester Klopper
Prof Hester Klopper, newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State.

Re-discovering Our Institutional Heart was the theme of the official opening address of the University of the Free State (UFS) presented by newly appointed UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Hester Klopper, as she addressed UFS staff members in the Odeion Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Prof Klopper sketched the current global, national, and local contexts that have affected higher education in general, and the UFS in particular, giving an overview of where the institution has come from, where it currently is, and where it is going. She emphasised the need to focus on the qualities and research areas for which the university has become well known, and to stay true to the values and principles set out in its Vision 130.

“Vision 130 illuminates our way into the future – expounding how we want to establish ourselves as a top-tier university that is continually extending its influence and impact locally, regionally, and globally,” she said.

 

The institutional heart

Prof Klopper referred to the image of a heart that is reflected in the UFS marketing logo, encouraging staff to rediscover what lies at the heart of the institution, and what sets it apart.

“A university such as ours inevitably forms and moulds the lives and characters of the people associated with it; and in turn, it too is shaped and transformed by those who have graced its campuses over the decades. It too has a character. And it certainly has a heart.”

She elaborated on the metaphorical meanings locked up within the concept of a heart, touching on how it symbolised vitality, flow, and energy, interconnectedness, and a sense of belonging. She also highlighted its significance as a beacon of resilience.

“It is associated with courage and steadfastness. Over the past 120 years, the University of the Free State has prevailed despite adversity and has managed to constantly reinvent itself in order to remain relevant, without losing sight of the values in which it is anchored,” she said.

 

Priorities for tenure

One of the broad focus areas that Prof Klopper identified as a priority during her term was establishing the UFS as an innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. “This includes advancing transdisciplinary research, moving towards identifying two to three core research themes that address local, regional, and global challenges, and strengthening our unique offering,” she said.

Another focus area will be working towards systemic sustainability, which will include a disciplined approach towards financial management, as well as revision and optimisation of the academic model. She also indicated that internationalisation will be a core theme during her tenure, as will the establishment of the UFS as a first-choice employer and a magnet for talent. To this end, she announced the establishment of a VC Strategic Personnel Fund to grow and attract the best academic talent.

 

Innovation through connection

Prof Klopper concluded that the heartbeat of the UFS lies in innovation through connection.

For her, innovation is expressed in the university’s cutting-edge programme content, its focus on creating a culture of entrepreneurship, optimisation of the academic model, and finding new ways to diversify income streams. On the other hand, connection is reflected in heightened internationalisation, expansive collaborative networks, and a renewed focus on transdisciplinary research and real societal impact through engaged scholarship.

“My sincere wish is that each one of you will rediscover this heartbeat and that it will inspire you this year to take our great institution to even greater heights,” she said.

 

Click to view document Click here for the official opening speech.

News Archive

Open Day 2011 attracts thousands of prospective Kovsies
2011-05-04

 

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, enjoying the Open Day with two of our students
Photo: Gerhard Louw

Low academic standards may be an accepted norm in society, but will by no means be tolerated at our university. This was the core message of the speech made by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, to learners, parents and teachers at our university’s annual Open Day, which took place on Monday, 2 May 2011.

Approximately 6 000 people gathered on our Main Campus in Bloemfontein, where they were introduced to senior staff members and deans and allowed to visit each of our seven faculties. Exhibitions from residences and student organisations also competed for the attention of prospective students.

Prof. Jansen assured attendees in the Callie Human Centre that they can look forward to quality education and an academic climate which aims at producing only the best academics and citizens for South Africa. He explained the steps that are being taken to improve the quality of education at the UFS, such as raised entrance criteria and compulsory class attendance in some of our modules.

He said the raised standards have already proven to increase pass rates, as well as attract high-quality students, as we managed to attract 146 students with six or more A-symbols in Grade 12 this year. This is also evidence in the university managing to deliver two Rhodes scholars, Sannah Mokone and Dirk Bester, in one year.

He also assured parents of their children’s safety, reminding them that not only is Bloemfontein one of the safest cities in South Africa, but students at the UFS are also taught to respect each other. “Students are treated as humans and everyone is treated the same. We are all Kovsies here.”

A record number of 1 000 applications for admission to the UFS in 2012 were received and bursaries to the value of R150 000 were given to prospective students during the day.
 


Media Release
4 May 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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