The North-West University’s (NWU) Prof. Linda du Plessis has been appointed as deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning by the university’s council during its meeting on November 13. Du Plessis has been serving as acting deputy vice-chancellor for teaching and learning since August. She has also held the position of deputy vice-chancellor for planning at the Vanderbijlpark Campus since July 2017.

“Throughout her career, and especially at the NWU, Du Plessis has distinguished herself as an exceptional leader whose managerial skills and dedication to promote the values of the NWU has made her one of the flagbearers of our institution. She exemplifies the university’s mission, which is to benefit society through the provision of knowledge. She does not shy away from responsibility.

On the contrary, she seeks and embraces it, as is evident by the impact she has made to help the NWU excel in innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and focused community engagement,” said Bert Sorgdrager, chairperson of the NWU Council.

Du Plessis has been a groundbreaker and after 30 years of experience in the higher education sector, her enthusiasm shows no sign of abating. She was the first female vice-rector of the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus from September 2008 until June 2016 and was thereafter appointed as that campus’ rector from September to June 2017. Higher honours soon followed.

As an academic, she has been widely published, received numerous awards including the Richard Mawditt Price from the University of Bath for the best doctoral student performance in 2020.

Du Plessis has successfully led many national and international projects. She is also an alumna of the NWU, having obtained her BSc, BScHons and Master’s degree in Information Systems, before completing her doctoral studies in 2002 at the former Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education.

“On behalf of the council and the NWU, I wish her all the best in her new position. As a university, one of our main functions is to address the societal needs of our province and our country, and teaching and learning plays a pivotal role in this regard. Beyond our research and community engagement initiatives, it is our teaching and learning endeavours that will shape the future leaders, thinkers and citizens that our country needs. With Du Plessis at the helm, this responsibility is in safe and capable hands.”