Dr Leslie van Rooi (43), born and bred in Upington, was recently appointed as Dean of Students at the University of Stellenbosch (US), effective from 1 May.
Van Rooi, who now lives in Stellenbosch, is the son of Loe and Aurelia van Rooi of Upington. Both are retired teachers. The couple has another son, Brandon, who is an architect in Stellenbosch, and their only daughter, Ilana, is staying with her parents.
Van Rooi’s father, Loe, retired as the principal of SC Kearns High School in Louisvale, and his mother retired from Carlton van Heerden High School, where Van Rooi completed his matric.
As part of the vice-chancellor’s realignment process, the position of senior director: Student Affairs, previously located within the responsibility centre of deputy vice-chancellor, learning and teaching, was elevated to form part of the rectorate.
The dean of students will report directly to the vice-chancellor and lead a newly established standalone responsibility centre, the dean of students.
Van Rooi, as the new dean of students, will provide strategic leadership to the responsibility centre. His role will include overseeing student counselling and development in student life. He will also play a key leadership role within the rectorate, fostering collaboration across the university to strengthen student success and to promote a vibrant student life across the university.
His role also includes advancing student governance, leadership development and co-curricular engagements. As a US alumnus, Van Rooi held various key roles at the university, including senior director of social impact and transformation.
He also established the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development in 2010 and served as the first head of that particular institute. Since 2011, Van Rooi served as residence head of Simonsberg Residence.
Prior to his latest appointment, Van Rooi was acting dean of students. Holding a doctorate in Theology, he has published numerous academic articles and book chapters and contributes opinion pieces for News24, Netwerk24, Vrye Weekblad and Daily Maverick. – Source: US
LEES OOK: Doele, drama en aksie by Cornald Mouers-sokkertoernooi in Upington
