Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, England bestowed an honorary degree upon Prof Hester Klopper, Vice-Rector: Strategic Initiatives and Internationalisation at Stellenbosch University, on Friday (2 September 2016). She was one of two internationally recognised health care academics to be honoured in this way.

Professor Klopper received the degree Doctor of Nursing, honoris causa for her continued contribution to global health, policy, nursing and healthcare.

In a statement released by Oxford Brookes University, Klopper is being lauded as an internationally acclaimed academic leader in health care who has done research and published widely on, among others, positive practice environments, patient safety and quality improvement, global health and the role nurses play in policy influence and strengthening health systems. She has also supervised over 25 doctoral and over 45 master's students.

"It is an honour to welcome two internationally leading healthcare academics to this year's graduation ceremonies, who will be an inspiration to all of our graduating nurses," said the head of Oxford Brookes' nursing department Dr Liz Westcott.

Klopper, a former Chief Executive Officer of FUNDISA (Forum for University Nursing Deans of SA) and former President of Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) from 2013 to 2015, is also an extraordinary professor at the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University and the University of the Western Cape, where she was Dean of the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences prior to her current position. She is the only South African who is inaugurated at the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN). On 23 July this year, she has also been honoured in the International Hall of Fame for Research Excellence of STTI for her international contribution in research.

• Read the Oxford Brookes University media release here.
• Read Prof Hester Klopper's speech here.