Bloemfontein - The University of the Free State (UFS) Council on Monday announced that renowned educationist Professor Jonathan Jansen would step down from his position as vice-chancellor and rector at the end of August 2016.
“The council is grateful for the vision and the inspirational leadership that Prof Jansen provided during his tenure at the UFS,” said UFS spokesperson Lacea Loader.
“He has led the university through difficult and complex times – from after the Reitz incident up until the recent student protest actions. He brought stability and respect for the university – nationally as well as internationally.”
Loader added that it was Jansen’s decision to step down: “Prof Jansen’s departure is a great loss for the university, but the council accepts his decision to step down and pursue his academic career as well as other opportunities,” she said.
Come August 31, Jansen – who began his term of office on July 1, 2009 – will embark on furthering his education career as Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University in the United States.
Loader listed Jansen’s many achievements during his tenure as VC and rector such as an improvement in graduation rates, an increase in the percentage of academic staff with doctoral qualifications, and growth in staff diversity.
“Furthermore, Prof Jansen played a significant part in developing the UFS as a place where the embrace of diversity and the integration of the university provide a backdrop for academic excellence,” said Loader.
She added that should Jansen’s position not be filled by the end of August 2016, the current Vice-Rector Nicky Morgan would act as such. However, the university council would soon begin their search for a successor searching nationally and abroad.
“On behalf of the council and the entire university community, I thank him for his contributions as a capable, energetic and dedicated leader and wish him the best for his future,” said Loader.
“He was the right leader at the right time for the university.”
African News Agency