The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus leadership recently gave Prof David Mxolisi Modise, the acting deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) of the campus, a warm welcome.  

Prof Linda Du Plessis, acting principal and vice-chancellor, introduced Prof Modise to campus management and staff. Prof Modise assumed his new position on 1 February 2022.

Prof Modise held the position of executive dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and will act as DVC until a new vice-chancellor has been appointed.

His appointment came after Prof Du Plessis was appointed to act as principal and vice-chancellor following the resignation of Prof Dan Kgwadi.

Prof Modise says he is thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the campus, and is inspired by its excellence.

"In the few days I have been here, I have been inspired by the positive energy I witnessed across the campus. It is the kind of energy that keenly anticipates and embraces change, and it is from that place of optimism I approach my responsibility as the acting DVC," he says.

More about Prof Modise

Prof Modise has had a versatile career, building a sound track record. He is a respected academic and leader who holds a BSc in horticultural science from the University of Bath, a MSc in horticulture from West Virginia University, and a PhD in plant sciences from Nottingham University. He has a good publication record and has supervised many master’s and PhD students. He has served at many universities and on external committees, and boasts various established international partnerships.

His career in higher education spans over 20 years, 12 of them spent in a range of senior leadership positions, including working as a deputy executive dean at UNISA's College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and as the director of the School for Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Prof David Mxolisi Modise