Message from the

Vice-Chancellor

Dear colleague,

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Rick Warren became famous for his book The Purpose-Driven Life, which has sold more than 32 million copies. Various international publications, such as Time magazine, have named him one of the world’s most influential people.

 

It is clear that his central message, that our purpose in life is not found in focusing on ourselves, resonates with many. It helps people find meaning amidst life’s struggles.

 

We at the North-West University had to face many challenges last year. We expect nothing less this year. You may have experienced some challenges regarding our first-year intake. Or you may have had some uncertainties around our new structure.

 

I empathise with you and give you the assurance that we will soon be able to provide more information about the roll-out of the new structure. This will be communicated to all.

 

While there are still some uncertainties, it is appropriate to remind ourselves that we as a university are working with a purpose. The NWU’s purpose statement, as it appears in our strategy document, states that we want:

 

“To excel in innovative learning and teaching and cutting-edge research, thereby benefitting society through knowledge.”

 

How are we to achieve this? By adapting to changes and new challenges as set out in our new strategy and structure as well as our success model. If we do not adapt, we will fall behind.

 

Adding to the complexity is that, more and more, we are competing in a global context. Universities do not have the luxury of being complacent. The higher education environment is just too challenging.  We therefore have to recognise that we are not merely competing with other South African universities, but with various international institutions too.

 

Students have a wider choice than ever before. Donors have a variety of potential recipients; potential partners can choose with whom they wish to work. And drawing top academics and professional staff is not that easy.

 

Furthermore, the internet and smartphones have taken distance learning to a new level. We must ride the wave or stay behind. We also have to ensure that our qualifications stay relevant, engaging and of high quality. This means we have to constantly adapt and innovate. The same, of course, also holds true for our research and commercialisation projects. And we have to make social justice part of our university culture, meaning our daily way of conducting our business.

 

Our tasks are many and varied. It is thus necessary to remember that in the final analysis, our purpose is to benefit society. Believe me, you will find personal purpose and satisfaction in contributing to this overarching ideal.

 

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