Professor Deresh Ramjugernath has officially stepped into his role as the new Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SUN), and he’s not holding back. His mission? To position SUN among the top 100 universities in the world, a goal that’s both ambitious and inspiring.
Ramjugernath, a renowned chemical engineer and academic leader, took office on 1 April 2025. With over 350 peer-reviewed publications and a track record of innovation, he brings both scholarly weight and executive experience to the role. He previously served as SUN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching and held senior roles at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
In his inaugural address, he called for “renewed ambition, academic excellence, and collaborative leadership.” He emphasized that SU is already globally respected, but now is the time to move from “good to great” on the world stage.
Central to his vision is a focus on interdisciplinary research, digital transformation, and student-centered learning. “Artificial intelligence and hybrid learning aren’t optional enhancements. They are essential tools for the future of education,” he said.
Ramjugernath’s leadership style is rooted in inclusivity and teamwork. He’s pushing for a culture that breaks down silos and encourages collaboration across faculties to tackle real-world challenges. He also highlighted the importance of sustainability: financial, social, and environmental as a pillar of SU’s future.
The university’s long-term Vision 2040 aligns with this ambition. It aims to make SU Africa’s leading research-intensive university, globally recognized for excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.
But can they get there? SU already ranks among the top 300 globally in several subject areas and has a strong reputation in research and innovation. With new partnerships, a focus on employability, and a drive for transformation, the path to the top 100 may be steep but not impossible.
As SU enters this new chapter, the question isn’t just whether they can make it. It’s how far they’re willing to go to get there.