Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) recently saw the appointment of its first female dean, according to SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen.
Professor Vasti Roodt’s appointment as dean of the Stellenbosch University (SU) faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) has been met with “overwhelmingly positive” reactions from staff and students at the SU FASS, according to Sam Morrick, outgoing chairperson of the FASS student committee. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
Professor Vasti Roodt’s appointment has been met with an “overwhelmingly positive” reaction from internal faculty members and students alike, said Sam Morrick, outgoing chairperson of the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences student committee (BASC).
Roodt will officially start the position of dean in January 2025, said Viljoen.
A good fit for the faculty
Roodt is currently the vice-dean of teaching and learning at the FASS. She began her career in education as the first female philosophy lecturer at SU in 2001, and was named associate professor in 2016, she told SMF News.
“I recognise that I would not have been […] successful in running for dean if I hadn’t had many other opportunities earlier in my career,” said Roodt.
The recently appointed dean of the Stellenbosch University (SU) faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), Professor Vasti Roodt, began her career in education as a philosophy lecturer in 2001 and was named associate professor in 2016. She is currently the vice-dean of teaching and learning at the FASS. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
“Professor Roodt cares deeply about the students of the faculty,” said Morrick. “We know that someone who knows the system so well, and is so passionate about her work will be an absolute pleasure and joy to work with.”
In recent years, Roodt has worked closely with the BASC, a committee which plays an integral role in connecting the management of the faculty with the student body, according to Morrick.
“To be cut off from the students would […] be a terrible loss,” said Roodt. “I do very much aim […], and intend to be a dean for students; to be accessible.”
Professor Vasti Roodt, the newly appointed dean of the Stellenbosch University faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS), has worked closely with the BA Student Committee in the past, and hopes to continue to do this in the future. “To be cut off from the students would […] be a terrible loss,” said Roodt. PHOTO: Bayanda Gumede
Opportunities await
The Arts and Social Sciences faculty is well-run and is currently in a good position regarding teaching and learning, research production and transformation, according to Roodt. However there exist opportunities she hopes to capitalise on during her tenure.
“It would be a priority for me to really foster a stronger learning culture in the faculty,” said Roodt. “At the same time, do more to recognise and reward teaching excellence.”
Roodt aims to develop the FASS into a flagship graduate school by maintaining the production of quality research, establishing meaningful internal partnerships across Africa, and nurturing limitless mindsets about the pursuit of knowledge, she said.