Stellenbosch University (SU) has appointed Prof Nicola Smit as chief operating officer (COO), strengthening executive leadership as the institution sharpens its focus on operational excellence and long-term sustainability.
The SU Council approved the appointment at a special meeting on Wednesday 21 October, with Smit taking up the role for a five-year term on Sunday 1 November.
Her appointment follows a structural decision to establish the COO and chief financial officer (CFO) as two distinct executive portfolios, enabling greater strategic focus and accountability across the university’s operational and financial environments.
ALSO READ: Stellenbosch University donors call for fresh leadership to take the reins
Strategic leadership
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU rector and vice-chancellor, said the appointment comes at a critical time: “Universities need operational environments that are not only efficient and financially responsible, but also agile, innovative and responsive to the needs of their academic communities.
“By establishing dedicated COO and CFO portfolios, we are strengthening our capacity to lead these critical functions with greater focus and strategic intent. Prof Smit brings a valuable combination of academic leadership, institutional knowledge and executive experience. Her understanding of the university’s academic mission, together with her proven ability to navigate complex operational challenges, positions her well to lead this portfolio.”
Reporting to Ramjugernath, Smit will provide integrated strategic leadership across infrastructure and campus development, facilities management, information technology, institutional support services, sport, security and risk management. Her portfolio will also advance digital transformation, modernise institutional processes and strengthen operational resilience.
“Our ambition is to build a university where our systems, infrastructure and services enable excellence rather than constrain it,” said Ramjugernath. “Prof Smit will play a central role in translating our Vision 2040 ambitions into the institutional capabilities and everyday operational realities that make them achievable.”
Vast experience
Smit joined SU as dean of the Faculty of Law in August 2017. She previously served as executive dean of Law at North-West University and vice-dean of Law at the University of Johannesburg, where she also co-directed the Centre for International Comparative Labour Law and Social Security Law.
She was the first woman to hold several of these positions. Her recent service in the combined acting COO and CFO role has given her broad perspective on institutional governance and resource stewardship.
SU Council chair ernard Fick welcomed the appointment, saying it reflects council’s commitment to strong, accountable leadership.
“The separation of the COO and CFO portfolios is an important step in strengthening the university’s governance and executive capacity. It provides the opportunity for greater focus on operational effectiveness while ensuring dedicated leadership of the university’s financial strategy and stewardship.
“Council has confidence in Prof Smit’s ability to bring strategic direction, sound judgement and an integrated approach to this demanding portfolio. Her appointment will contribute to building a university that is well governed, operationally resilient and equipped to deliver on its long-term commitments to students, staff and society.”
ALSO READ: Maties to honour 5 visionaries ‘leading from Africa, for Africa and the world’
