The Office of the Vice-Chancellor welcomed the first Dean of Students at Sol Plaatje University (SPU), Ms Nicole Morris, on 1 July 2021.

Ms Nicole Morris is a young dynamic woman who has a deep passion for entrepreneurial and leadership development, co-curricular programme development and building systems that enhance the student experience.

She holds an MBA degree from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) of which she many fond memories. She was an active and engaged student, having served as the Vice President of the Wits SRC and received multiple academic awards.

Ms Morris served as the South Africa Council of Advisors: Golden Key and represented the university and country at several global and local conferences. Currently, she serves as the Deputy President of the National Association for Student Development Professionals (NASDEV) which is an organisation formed as a collective endeavour of the PSET sector to craft a student development practice agenda, capacity building and
professionalisation of student affairs.

She was recently appointed to the board of directors of University Sport Company and was recently appointed to the New Jersey City University Leadership & Engagement Advisory Board.

Having worked in student affairs for the past 11 years, she believes that agility and creativity is required on all fronts. However, “having an interest in leadership development and training, and building future leaders, it is essential that we listen to this current generation; it is what they demand,” says Ms Morris.

As the Dean of Student Affairs, she will focus on formulating and interpreting the policy, direction, functions, and outcomes of student affairs, most importantly, supporting the strategic and operational frameworks of the
Division of Student Affairs (DSA) and the University, as this is important especially when rolling out programmes of the DSA in partnership with other departments and student structures.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the question around the development of co-curricular programmes and reach is at the top of her list noting the challenges students face in accessing devices, data, and electricity.

Ms Morris states that “working collaboratively, I seek to strengthen our engagement in local and global initiatives in Student Affairs, work actively in creating a paradigm shift in dealing with the socio-economic challenges society is confronted with and finding solutions with students, staff and the community in addressing social justice issues in our communities. “