​​A new group of 15 professors at Stellenbosch University (SU) has been appointed as Distinguished Professors at a function held at STIAS on Monday (8 February 2016). It was only the second time that SU has bestowed this honour on its leading academics. The first group of Distinguished Professors was appointed in 2014.

The names of the latest recipients were announced in November 2015.

The criteria for eligibility included: Having been appointed as a professor at SU for at least five years; continuous excellent performance over the last three years; international stature; proven exceptional performance and leadership in higher education in research and publications, postgraduate study leadership, learning and teaching, and community interaction.

The appointment is valid for five years and re-appointments can be considered. 

At the event on Monday, Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, said the title of "Distinguished Professor" was created to recognise the institution's best academics who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in their university careers.

"This is recognition for you, and confirmation of the University's commitment to academic excellence, as reflected in the good standing that our institution currently maintains internationally." (Click here for his full speech)

The names of appointees are:

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

Prof Amanda Gouws, Political Science

Prof Johan Thom, Ancient Studies

Prof Marlene van Niekerk, Afrikaans and Dutch

Faculty of Science 

Prof Leonard Barbour, Chemistry and Polymer Science

Faculty of Education

Prof Aslam Fataar, Education Policy Studies

Faculty of AgriSciences

Prof Kennedy Dzama, Animal Sciences

Prof Florian Bauer, Viticulture and Oenology

Faculty of Engineering

Prof Petrie Meyer, Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences

Prof Nic Terblanche, Business Management

Faculty of Law

Prof Sandy Liebenberg, Public Law

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Prof Mark Cotton, Paediatrics and Child Health

Prof Anneke Hesseling, Desmond Tutu TB Centre

Prof Gerhard Walzl, Molecular Biology and Human Genetics

Prof Robin Warren, Molecular Biology and Human Genetics

Prof Soraya Seedat, Psychiatry

• Photo: The group of distinguished professors with Prof Wim de Villiers and the deans of the respective faculties at Monday's event.
  
• Photographer: Hennie Rudman