The North-West University (NWU) was recently given a boost by the appointment of its vice-chancellor and principal as adjunct professor at one of the top American universities.
Dr Bismark Tyobeka has been appointed adjunct professor in Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University (NCSU) for a three-year term beginning 1 November 2022. In the United States, adjunct professors do not receive any remuneration. Dr Tyobeka’s appointment will enhance his role as principal and vice-chancellor of the NWU and create engagement opportunities between the two institutions. According to the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), North Carolina State University is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. US News & World Report ranked NCSU Nuclear Engineering Graduate Programme #3 among public universities in 2021, and NCSU Nuclear Engineering program ranked #2 among all programs at NCSU.
In doing so, Dr Tyobeka is increasing the international profile of the NWU as a leading nuclear power expert who has worked with many universities abroad. Tyobeka’s responsibilities as adjunct professor include developing joint research and education collaboration opportunities between the NCSU College of Engineering and NWU. Furthermore, he will coordinate faculty and student exchange visits and stays, supervise and co-advise graduate students’ research, and work with graduate students on dissertations.
Mr Bert Sorgdrager, the chairperson of the NWU Council, says, “We are very happy that our vice-chancellor’s knowledge and skills are recognised by internationally reputable organisations. We are confident that, in addition to giving our staff and students research opportunities, this recognition will strengthen our resolve to invest in our internationalisation programme and establish more partnerships.”
According to Dr Tyobeka, this is one of the ways to enhance our journey towards the realisation of the NWU’s dream to be internationally recognised for excellence, not only in Africa but across the globe. “Internationalisation is key to building the NWU’s international reputation and to widen and solidify our footprint,” he says.
Dr Tyobeka believes there are two ways to take the NWU to the world. The first is by introducing lecturers and researchers to international partnerships, and the second is by building global friendships.
“The United States is home to some of the biggest and most respected universities. If we are doing our part in internationalisation, we need to form and nurture good bonds there. I will continue to engage with my networks from many years ago when I worked abroad to build mutually beneficial relationships and open new doors and great opportunities for the NWU’s students, lecturers, and researchers,” says Dr Tyobeka.
The Dean of the College of Engineering at the NCSU, Dr Louis A Martin-Vega, says he and his colleagues are looking forward to collaborating with Dr Tyobeka.
