Stellenbosch University
Welcome to Stellenbosch University
Profs. Robinson & Reddy bid farewell
Author: Elise Groeneveld
Published: 23/12/2021

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On Wednesday, 1st of December, Faculty members gathered at Erinvale Estate for a year-end function during which two colleagues were bid farewell. Acting Vice-Dean for Teaching & Learning, Prof. Maureen Robinson, and professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies, Chris Reddy, will be retiring at the end of 2021 leaving big shoes to fill in the Faculty and especially in the Department of Curriculum Studies.

Prof. Maureen Robinson

Having previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Education at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (2002-2012) and Stellenbosch University (2012 – 2017), Prof. Robinson did not shy away from responsibility in her last year as official staff member at SU. With Covid-19 presenting teaching and learning activities with more challenges than ever, she took the bull by the horns and contributed greatly to the efficient way students were able to continue their academic activities.

Her research in the fields of Teacher Education, Professional Learning and Educational Reform has been highly recognised. Recently elected as president of the South African Education Research Association (SAERA), Prof. Robinson will continue to make valuable contributions to the field of education, hoping to promote collaboration between different educational organisations both nationally and internationally. She will continue her involvement at SU as Emeritus Professor in the Department of Curriculum studies in 2022.

Prof. Michael le Cordeur, Chair of the Department of Curriculum Studies shares a few thoughts:

I have known Prof. Robinson since her appointment in the Faculty in 2012. We have worked wonderfully together. She has always struck me as a knowledgeable person, who bases everything that she says on facts. She remains calm no matter the circumstances and never allows any crisis to derail her from her goals. Goalsetting is important to her and she will always put mechanisms in place to achieve her goals. When she speaks, she does so with authority which she has earned over many years of experience. Her academic outputs on education are respected by everyone in the educational world. She has all the potential to become the future Minister of Education. I am looking forward to continuing my collaboration with her and to draw on her experience and advice in her new role as an Emeritus Prof. in our Department.

Prof. Chris Reddy

Over the past 20 years at SU, Prof. Chris Reddy has played a key role in the the development of environmental education. It is only fitting that he​ is one of the recipients of SU's prestigious Chancellor's Awards in 2021. As a former chair and current professor in the Department of Curriculum Studies, Prof. Reddy's research in the field of Curriculum Studies, Environmental Education and Teacher Education has contributed significantly to the integration of social impact in the curriculum for both secondary and tertiary education. Although retiring from his position in the Faculty, Prof. Reddy will continue to play a role as Emeritus Professor in 2022.

Prof. Michael le Cordeur shares his thoughts:

I have known Prof. Chris Reddy even before I joined the Faculty in 2009. As the Circuit Manager of Education in Stellenbosch and District I met Chris when he conducted various research projects with a relevant social impact in the Stellenbosch District. The Rietenbosch Wetland Environmental Project is one that immediately comes to mind. With Chris' help and knowledge, the wetland in Cloetesville was successfully restored and the water is still being used by the community and the school. As a colleague I worked with Chris in the Department of Curriculum Studies; he became chair during my early years at SU and he acted as a mentor, helping me to find my feet. In recent years he became my go-to-person when I needed advice with Curriculum issues, and he was always there when I needed him. He founded the EEPUS (Environment Education Project at University Stellenbosch) and he played a pivotal role in establishing Environmental Studies as a school subject and as a module in our BEd- and PGCE programmes. He is loyal, hardworking and trustworthy, and is respected by everyone in the Faculty.​​

 

Faculty members at the year-end function.