A new group of 15 professors at Stellenbosch University (SU) has been appointed as Distinguished Professors at a function held at STIAS on Monday (8 February 2016). It was only the second time that SU has bestowed this honour on its leading academics. The first group of Distinguished Professors was appointed in 2014.
The names of the latest recipients were announced in November 2015.
The criteria for eligibility included: Having been appointed as a professor at SU for at least five years; continuous excellent performance over the last three years; international stature; proven exceptional performance and leadership in higher education in research and publications, postgraduate study leadership, learning and teaching, and community interaction.
The appointment is valid for five years and re-appointments can be considered.
At the event on Monday, Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, said the title of "Distinguished Professor" was created to recognise the institution's best academics who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in their university careers.
"This is recognition for you, and confirmation of the University's commitment to academic excellence, as reflected in the good standing that our institution currently maintains internationally." (Click here for his full speech)
The names of appointees are:
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Prof Amanda Gouws, Political Science
Prof Johan Thom, Ancient Studies
Prof Marlene van Niekerk, Afrikaans and Dutch
Faculty of Science
Prof Leonard Barbour, Chemistry and Polymer Science
Faculty of Education
Prof Aslam Fataar, Education Policy Studies
Faculty of AgriSciences
Prof Kennedy Dzama, Animal Sciences
Prof Florian Bauer, Viticulture and Oenology
Faculty of Engineering
Prof Petrie Meyer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Prof Nic Terblanche, Business Management
Faculty of Law
Prof Sandy Liebenberg, Public Law
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Prof Mark Cotton, Paediatrics and Child Health
Prof Anneke Hesseling, Desmond Tutu TB Centre
Prof Gerhard Walzl, Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
Prof Robin Warren, Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
Prof Soraya Seedat, Psychiatry
- Photo: The group of distinguished professors with Prof Wim de Villiers and the deans of the respective faculties at Monday's event.
- Photographer: Hennie Rudman
