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Edwin Naidu
Professor Francis Petersen, the Vice-Chancellor designate of the University of Pretoria, has expressed his unwavering commitment to aligning with Tuks’ vision.
He envisions the university to be a leading research-intensive institution in Africa, renowned globally for its quality, relevance, and impact, and for its role in developing people, creating knowledge, and making a difference locally and globally.
“Rest assured, my strategy for UP fully aligns with the vision,” he assured Inside Education.
Prof Petersen said that he would be taking over a respected, stable university, one of the largest residential universities in the country. His unwavering focus would be on consolidating, recalibrating, and examining what works and what does not, with a firm commitment to addressing the challenges rather than adding to them.
With a leadership style rooted in listening, Prof Petersen is acutely aware of UP’s status and standing, acknowledging that no institution is immune from the challenges facing all learning institutions. However, he is confident in leveraging his extensive experience in education and the corporate sector to propel UP towards its vision of becoming the best in Africa, instilling a sense of assurance in his capability to lead.
On Friday, UP said in a statement that Professor Petersen’s appointment is a testament to his distinguished academic leadership record and wealth of experience in higher education.
“His unique blend of engineering, finance, and academic management expertise positions him to lead the University of Pretoria into a new era of innovation and excellence. Professor Petersen’s educational journey is a testament to his academic prowess.”
He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and a Master of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Ph.D. in Engineering. A Financial Skills for Executive Management course from IIR Training further enhanced his academic achievements.
Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Petersen has held various academic positions at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Cape Town, and University of the Free State. His leadership roles have ranged from Head of Department to Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, showcasing his extensive and proven experience in academic management at departmental, faculty, and institutional levels.
In a statement to staff on Friday, Free State University confirmed that Prof Petersen who has been Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) since 1 April 2017 and has been reappointed by the Council for a second five-year term as of 31 March 2022 would take up the role at UP.
“Prof Petersen’s tenure at the UFS was characterised by remarkable leadership, and the Council greatly appreciates his work and the university’s achievements under his leadership. Excellence, inclusivity, innovation, academic freedom, a particular focus and emphasis on critical enquiry, social responsiveness, and integrity were the value characteristics through which Prof Petersen led as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. He led the university through challenging and complex times – not only for the institution but also for the higher education sector – with a primary focus on and commitment to stakeholder engagement. He brought stability to the university and emphasised the institution’s visibility and its impact on society.”
“On behalf of the Council and the entire university community, I thank and commend Prof Petersen for his dedicated leadership and wish him all the best in his new role as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria,” said Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council.
“Serving as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State has been one of the greatest honours of my career, and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together over the past seven years. During my tenure, I have been blessed to work with and meet exceptional staff, students, and other stakeholders from one of the greatest universities in the country to advance the UFS further nationally and internationally. As I step down, I am grateful for the support and collaboration from our university community. I am confident that the university is well positioned for continued growth and success,” said Prof Petersen.
The UFS Council will appoint an acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal to serve in this position from 1 October 2024 until a new incumbent is appointed.
INSIDE EDUCATION