UNIVERSITY of the Free State (UFS) vice-chancellor and principal Professor Francis Petersen has been elected as chairperson of Universities South Africa (USAf)’ board of directors.
His two-year term at the helm of the organisation will commence on 1 January 2024.
Petersen be deputised by Professor Rushiella Songca, vice-chancellor and principal at the Walter Sisulu University.
USAf is the umbrella body for South Africa’s 26 public universities.
Among its key responsibilities is building capacity of the country’s higher education system as an internationally competitive system.
“I am honoured by my election as chairperson and will, together with the board, continue working towards the advancement of universities and the betterment of higher education in South Africa,” Petersen said.
The UFS has congratulated Petersen, who has just completed a two-year term as vice-chairperson of USAf, on his new role.
“On behalf of the UFS Council and the university community, I wish to congratulate Professor Petersen on his election as chairperson of USAf’s board of directors,” UFS Council chairperson David Noko said.
“His election comes at a crucial time in higher education, and his leadership will undoubtably contribute to the success and advancement of USAf.
“We wish him all the best in this critical leadership role.”
Petersen, serving as vice-chancellor and principal at the UFS since April 2017, is a professional engineer with an extensive career in executive and senior academic positions, including as a deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Cape Town. – Staff Reporter