The Council of Stellenbosch University (SU) has appointed Prof Liezl van Dyk as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, effective 1 July 2026.

The appointment follows a comprehensive and consultative process conducted in accordance with the Regulations for the Appointment and Reappointment of a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. A Senior Appointments Committee (SAC), representing Council, Senate, the Institutional Forum (IF), the Student Representative Council and external expertise, managed the recruitment and shortlisting process.

The position was widely advertised locally and internationally. Following interviews, leadership assessments and due diligence processes, three candidates were placed on the final shortlist. In line with the Regulations, shortlisted candidates presented their vision for the University’s academic future to a joint meeting of Senate and the IF, both of which indicated their preferences to Council. After considering the SAC’s report together with the input from Senate and the IF, Council made the final decision by vote.

Advancing academic coherence and excellence

Van Dyk is a full professor, an NRF-rated researcher and a professionally registered industrial engineer with more than 27 years’ experience in higher education. She holds a PhD in industrial engineering from SU. She currently serves as Executive Dean of Engineering at North-West University, where she holds responsibility for academic governance, enrolment planning, financial sustainability, infrastructure development and faculty transformation.

Her experience spans the full undergraduate–postgraduate continuum, including programme design and accreditation, curriculum renewal, research supervision, academic planning and the integration of resources with institutional priorities. In her presentation to the University community, she outlined a structured academic vision focused on strengthening institutional coherence, embedding data-informed academic governance, and aligning planning across faculties to ensure sustainability and impact.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, noted that this integrated approach to the academic project was a key consideration in Council’s decision. “Prof Van Dyk brings a rare combination of strategic clarity and operational depth. Her experience in aligning academic planning, digital innovation and governance across the undergraduate and postgraduate continuum strongly positions her to guide Stellenbosch University’s learning and teaching enterprise in a rapidly evolving higher education environment.”

On her appointment, Van Dyk said: "I am honoured to have been presented with this opportunity at Stellenbosch University. SU is globally known for its excellence, inclusivity and innovation. It is my aim to enhance the University’s academic excellence and its reputation in learning and teaching via amongst others structural coherence and governance across the undergraduate-postgraduate continuum; advancing teaching excellence, education innovation and curriculum renewal but also to strengthen academic success and, equally important, student belonging.”

Curriculum innovation and responsible digital transformation

Van Dyk’s portfolio includes extensive work in technology-enhanced learning, hybrid education models and AI-enabled academic innovation. Her scholarship and executive experience reflect a sustained commitment to advancing teaching excellence while ensuring that innovation is embedded responsibly and in alignment with institutional quality assurance frameworks. Her vision places particular emphasis on curriculum renewal that is African-rooted and globally connected, as well as the institutionalisation of scholarly teaching and the structured integration of responsible AI into learning environments.

Ramjugernath highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with academic rigour. 

“At a time when universities globally are navigating digital acceleration and shifting educational models, Prof Van Dyk’s experience in curriculum renewal, academic governance and AI-enabled learning will strengthen our ability to innovate responsibly while safeguarding academic quality and integrity.”

Strengthening student success and inclusive academic culture

A further pillar of Van Dyk’s academic vision centres on student progression, throughput and belonging. Her experience includes embedding structured progression monitoring, strengthening access pathways, advancing demographic diversification, and integrating postgraduate education into broader academic success strategies. She has also cultivated strong national and international partnerships across universities, professional bodies and industry, reinforcing the link between academic excellence, employability and societal impact.

Ramjugernath emphasised the alignment between this approach and the University’s strategic direction. “Her commitment to inclusive academic cultures, multilingual engagement and holistic student success resonates strongly with Stellenbosch University’s Vision 2040. We look forward to working together to further enhance our academic coherence, student outcomes and global standing.”

A central academic mandate

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Van Dyk will serve as SU’s chief academic authority for learning and teaching. The portfolio includes responsibility for academic planning, curriculum oversight, strategic enrolment management, quality assurance and fostering a transformative academic environment that supports excellence, inclusivity and long-term sustainability.

Council congratulates Van Dyk on her appointment and looks forward to her contribution in shaping the next chapter of SU’s academic journey.