As Stellenbosch University (SU) continues to advance its ambitious Vision 2040 strategy, it is strengthening its leadership capacity through the introduction of a series of Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Pro-VC) positions across key strategic areas.

“These appointments mark a significant step in enhancing the University’s ability to drive innovation, build partnerships and support academic excellence in a rapidly evolving higher education environment,” says SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath.

Pro-VCs serve as ambassadors of both the University and the Vice-Chancellor, representing SU nationally and internationally while leading specialised initiatives aligned with the institution’s values and long-term goals.

Driving strategic priorities through specialised portfolios

Among the first appointments to this new leadership structure in 2025 was Prof Francesco Petruccione, Director of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences and Professor of Quantum Computing at SU.

As Pro-VC: Quantum Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Petruccione is responsible for shaping the University’s strategic direction in emerging technologies, particularly quantum science and artificial intelligence. His work focuses on strengthening SU’s global reputation in advanced technologies and ensuring that cutting-edge research delivers meaningful societal and economic impact.

The Pro-VC: Quantum Technology and Artificial Intelligence reports to the DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, with an additional reporting line to the office of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

Prof Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, serves as Pro-VC: Institutional Efficiency. His portfolio centres on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of institutional operations across the University.

Working across faculties and administrative divisions, he focuses on enhancing organisational agility, streamlining processes and promoting continuous improvement. His leadership supports the University’s broader objective of building resilient systems capable of sustaining long-term academic and operational excellence.

The Pro-VC: Institutional Efficiency reports to the Chief Operating Officer, with an additional reporting line to the office of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

Advancing SU’s global footprint

Internationalisation remains a key priority for the institution, with Prof Reggie Nel, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and an SU alumnus, appointed as Pro-VC: Internationalisation.

His role supports the University’s efforts to deepen international partnerships and expand its global footprint in teaching, research and innovation. This includes strengthening relationships with universities and organisations worldwide, supporting international student recruitment and mobility, and fostering an intercultural campus environment.

His portfolio reflects SU’s commitment to global collaboration and to building a university that is both locally grounded and internationally connected, says Ramjugernath. 

The Pro VC: Internationalisation reports to the DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, with an additional reporting line to Ramjugernath’s office.

Strengthening partnerships for societal impact

SU further expanded the Pro-VC structure with the appointment this year of three additional leaders focused on strengthening partnerships and research impact across government, healthcare, industry and philanthropy.

Prof Geo Quinot, Professor in the Department of Public Law and founding director of the African Procurement Law Unit, serves as Pro-VC: Government Partnerships.

His role positions SU as a trusted knowledge partner to government institutions by facilitating collaboration between academic experts and the public sector. Through these partnerships, he supports evidence-based policymaking, research innovation and capacity-building initiatives that contribute to national and regional development.

The Pro-VC: Government Partnerships reports directly to the office of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor.

Prof Erick Strauss, Head of the Department of Biochemistry and co-director of the Africa Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, has been appointed Pro-VC: Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials.

His portfolio is focused on establishing SU as a leading hub for pharmaceutical research and clinical trial activity in Africa. This includes building a comprehensive research platform that spans the full pharmaceutical innovation value chain from computational drug discovery and laboratory testing to human clinical trials.

His work also involves strengthening partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms and international research organisations to attract major research initiatives to the University.

The Pro-VC: Drug Discovery and Clinical Trials reports to the DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation with an additional reporting line to Ramjugernath’s office.

Prof Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, serves as Pro-VC: Industry, Business and Foundation Partnerships.

His role focuses on strengthening relationships between the University and external partners across industry, philanthropy and the funding sector. By aligning SU’s research strengths with real-world challenges, he supports collaborative innovation, new funding opportunities and the expansion of donor and philanthropic partnerships.

The Pro-VC: Industry, Business and Foundation Partnerships reports to the DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation with an additional reporting line to Ramjugernath’s office.

A catalytic leadership model for the future

Collectively, the Pro-Vice-Chancellors form a strategic leadership network designed to accelerate progress towards the University’s long-term goals.

Rather than replacing existing leadership roles, these positions complement the work of Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Deans and senior administrators by providing focused expertise and strategic coordination in priority areas.

“The Pro-VC role is thus catalytic in nature, providing thought leadership, integration and strategic execution to propel key initiatives forward,” says Ramjugernath.

“By establishing these roles, SU is strengthening its capacity to innovate, build partnerships and deliver meaningful impact, locally and globally, ensuring that the University remains well positioned to shape the future of higher education on the continent and beyond.”