After six years as Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) Prof Ingrid Woolard will be taking up a new position as Executive Dean of the University of Sussex Business School later this year.
Leading a Faculty that serves society
As the first female Dean of the EMS Faculty, Prof Woolard has undoubtedly left her mark on the Faculty.
A key focus of her time as Dean, Prof Woolard has overseen an increase in research intensity and a steady increase in the number of academic staff with doctorates. During her tenure, the Centre for Sustainable Transitions (CST) and the Bureau for Economic Research (BER) have both flourished, conducting research contributing to national and international policy changes.
With her support the Centre for Africa Entrepreneurship, supported by the Allan and Gill Gray Philanthropies, was established within the School of Public Leadership. The Centre uses knowledge to improve data-and-dialogue driven entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Africa to increase the well-being of communities with entrepreneurship. In addition to this she has helped to re-imagine the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management as the Africa Centre for Inclusive Health Management to better serve the developing needs of the African continent.
“It has always been important to me that our Faculty lives its mission of developing ethical, engaged, innovative leaders who pursue economic and societal transformation through a commitment to inclusivity, engaged learning, impactful research and meaningful societal partnerships. Each of these centres are focused on bettering society whether it be through economic upliftment or tackling pressing societal issues such as access to healthcare.”
A new challenge
On her new role Prof Woolard shared that the scope of the University of Sussex Business School is very similar to that of EMS, but also includes the renowned Science Policy Research Unit. “There is a strong focus in the School on policy engagement and research for impact, which resonates very strongly with me. And the University of Sussex is the global number 1 in the QS rankings for Development Studies.
“What also drew me to the University was the fact that it played a leading role in the British anti-Apartheid movement.”
Former President Thabo Mbeki, and struggle icons Essop and Aziz Pahad, Albie Sachs, and Rob Davies all attended the University of Sussex; a place that provided a refuge for learning and studying for exiled South African students and academics.
"I think it is partnerships such as these that show the power of universities. When we use our research and educational activities to engage with civil society and communities it can bring about real change for the better.” shared Woolard.
A fond farewell
As she bids farewell to the Faculty Prof Woolard shared that it is the staff she will miss most. “An institution is only as strong as the people who work there and in EMS we have an amazing team of dedicated and student-centred PASS and academic staff. The spirit of collegiality and teamwork makes this a very special place.”
She hopes that the faculty continues to thrive in terms of staff and student success. “We asked a lot of staff during the pandemic but their perseverance and commitment to students made me feel incredibly proud to be part of the EMS Faculty. With the recent system complications our staff have shown again that regardless of the challenges they face, our students are always front and centre; our main concern. Knowing my colleagues, I am positive that this commitment will continue through this time, and once everything settles.
“The EMS Faculty at Stellenbosch University will always have a very special place in my heart. I will stay in touch and look forward to seeing the Faculty continue to prosper.”
