New president for Wits Convocation |
| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 29 2010 |
At the start of his 4-year term of office, Dr May pledged to support the University’s quest to be one of the top 100 universities in the world by the University’s centenary year in 2022.
Dr May obtained his five degrees - BSc, BSc Honours, Masters, PhD and MBA - from Wits. He is an elected member of the Senate and Council, and holds an associate professorship in the Faculty of Science.
As President of Convocation, he becomes chairperson of the executive committee of Convocation whose 100 000 members are spread throughout the world and include some of South Africa’s top leaders in business, politics and civil society.
Dr May says that his plans for Convocation include:
- A reaffirmation of Wits University as a leading institution of higher education nationally and internationally;
- A recognition that the maintenance of the quality and reputation of a Wits University qualification must be at the top of the Convocation agenda; and
- A re-connection with Wits graduates across the world through a concerted programme of engagement.
Speaking about his new appointment, Dr May lamented the general lack of awareness of Convocation and pledged to increase its visibility.
“Convocation can play an important role in enhancing the stature of the University and therefore it is regrettable that it has tended to have a low profile. One of our main tasks as the executive committee is to create more awareness and visibility of the University’s Convocation. There is a need to make sure that people understand what Convocation is, its role and importance.
“As a body recognised by statute, Convocation needs to be seen and recognised as an important stakeholder of the University. A degree from Wits University gives you the edge; in the same fashion, Wits Convocation sharpens that edge,” Dr May said.
Dr May’s new executive committee will establish three sub-committees. These will deal with:
- Internal and external communication;
- Legal and constitutional issues; and
- Campus affairs.
“We want to revive Convocation’s activities and contribute to the University’s quest to be one of the top 100 universities in the world by 2022.
“Part of our work will also be to assure people that the quality and standard of a Wits University degree remains sacrosanct. The institution has made enormous strides to transform and adapt to a changing country, whilst the value of a Wits degree remains as high as ever,” Dr May explained.
Dr May is also currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Intellectual Capital Corporation of South Africa, and Radio Today. He also serves on the boards of the Advertising Standards of South Africa, the Vodacom Foundation, the National Research Foundation and the National Biotech Advisory Committee.
A former council member of the Institute of Directors, he plays a key role in Charities Aid Foundation, Southern Africa, and chairs the Territorial Advisory board of The Salvation Army, Southern Africa.
ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE CONVOCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
Last changed: Jul 29 2010 at 9:24 AM
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