Dr Leslie van Rooi has served as Dean of Students at Stellenbosch University (SU) with effect from 1 May 2026. In this role, he is a member of the Vice-Chancellor’s management team and provides strategic leadership for student life, wellbeing, leadership development and the overall student experience. He previously served as Acting Dean of Students and as Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation (since 2017). He is the founding Head of the Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert (FVZS) Institute for Student Leadership Development, which he established in 2010, and served as Residence Head of Simonsberg Residence from 2011 until early 2026.

Dr van Rooi completed his theological studies at SU and obtained his PhD in Church History and Church Polity in 2010, with part of his doctoral research conducted at the Protestant Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands. In 2022 he completed the Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD Business School in France.

He joined SU in a permanent capacity after his studies and has since focused on research and the praxis of student development, institutional transformation, social impact, stakeholder engagement and sustainability. His work emphasises creating inclusive and supportive student environments and fostering active citizenship. He regularly publishes opinion pieces in various media.