Prof Woolard is the first woman to lead the university's faculty of economic and management sciences
Woolard, who previously served as dean of the faculty of commerce at UCT, succeeds Professor Stan du Plessis as head of the faculty, which is the largest at Stellenbosch University (SU). Du Plessis is moving roles as he was appointed chief operating officer (designate) of the university earlier this year.
Prof Wim de Villiers, SU rector and vice-chancellor, said of Woolard’s appointment:
"She is an internationally recognised and respected academic and will bring further management experience to the University."
Woolard, meanwhile, has said she is “excited to be joining such a committed team”, adding that she intends to focus on broadening student access and success, and accelerating transformation.
She said:
"We need to push harder on improving access and the provision of enhanced financial and learning support for students from poor and marginalised communities. And once a student is admitted, we have a responsibility to provide an enabling environment for student success.”
