“My top priority remains our people – our students and our staff. Without them, there is no university. That is why I will continue to promote their success and development,” Professor Wim de Villiers said after being reappointed rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) for a second five-year term, on Wednesday September 25 (the day before his 60th birthday).
His second term will start on April 1, 2020 and last until March 31, 2025.
“We are very pleased with the accomplishments of Professor De Villiers to date,” Council Chair George Steyn said. “With him at the helm, SU has excelled in key areas. He has also proposed a compelling vision and set of priorities for his second term, which will further help the university address major challenges.”
During Professor De Villiers’s first term, access to SU has been broadened, record numbers of qualifications have been conferred, and high levels of student success and research outputs have been maintained. Internationalisation has increased, financial aid for students has been extended, campus renewal has made steady progress, and SU continues to excel in sports and culture.
“Our staff and students deserve credit for their hard work and dedication that has brought us this far. My appreciation to everyone who has been helping to build a strong institution,” Professor De Villiers said.
He also thanked alumni, funders and donors of the university for their loyal support of the university.