JOHANNESBURG – The University of the Free State (UFS) has announced that Vice Chancellor and Rector Jonathan Jansen will step down from his position in August this year.
Jansen, who was appointed to the position in 2009, has accepted a fellowship at Stanford University in the United States at its Centre for Advanced Studies in Behavioural Sciences.
The university's council has welcomed his decision and says while it's a great loss, Jansen has played a significant role in improving the institution's academic performance and transformation.
They have described him as a capable, energetic and dedicated leader saying his departure is a great loss.
“The Council is grateful for the vision and the inspirational leadership that Prof Jansen provided during his tenure at the UFS. 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.”
Current Vice-Rector Professor Nicky Morgan will serve as an interim vice chancellor and rector if he is not replaced on time.
The institution says a fellowship awarded to him earlier this year will serve as an opportunity for him to further advance his career as an academic in education.