Latest news with #UFS
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Science
- Daily Maverick
Leading Change: Prof Hester C. Klopper Charts Bold Course for the University of the Free State
History was made at the University of the Free State (UFS) as Prof Hester C. Klopper was officially inaugurated on 9 June 2025 as the institution's 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal – and the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the institution's 121-year history. Presented in the Odeion Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus and attended by a wide variety of university stakeholders, high-profile guests, and staff, the installation ceremony was a momentous occasion, marked by celebratory moments. Prof Klopper's inauguration address, titled Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change, unveiled an innovative vision that promises to reshape the UFS and South Africa's higher education landscape for the digital age. Bold new ventures include two major funding initiatives, as well as the launch of a Veterinary Science programme at the UFS, making it only the second institution in South Africa to offer this qualification. It all forms part of a vision to transform the UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving human connection and an African identity. Creating responsible societal futures is at the centre of this vision. AI Revolution in Higher Education During her inauguration address, Prof Klopper expounded on the educational crossroads facing universities worldwide. While artificial intelligence capabilities double in power every few months, she argued, educational systems remain frozen in 19th-century models. 'We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists,' she declared. Prof Klopper has a clear vision for UFS graduates. In a world where AI can process information faster than humans and generate content more efficiently than writers, she urged for a critical evaluation of what makes graduates valuable. 'Not their ability to memorise information – AI can do that infinitely better,' she explained. 'What will make them irreplaceable is their ability to think creatively, empathise deeply, ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence.' Innovative Abilities within the UFS Prof Klopper's approach is not about importing solutions from elsewhere. Through extensive engagement with staff, students, and stakeholders since her appointment on 1 February 2025, she has reached the encouraging realisation that the required innovative abilities already exist within the UFS. 'How do we further unlock the potential that lies dormant in our own university?' she asked. The answer, she believes, lies in one powerful concept: connection. Transdisciplinary teaching and research and regional and global collaboration form an environment for cutting-edge innovation. She indicated that the UFS' purpose is embedded in five intersected and interconnected strategic pillars, four guardrails, and a concise action plan. Five Strategic Pillars for the Future Academic Excellence and AI-Enhanced Research Impact tops her agenda. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a threat, Prof Klopper envisions it as amplifying human creativity. The university will pursue transdisciplinary research tackling climate change, inequality, and technological disruption. Institutional Agility in the Age of Exponential Change addresses the bureaucratic bottlenecks plaguing modern universities. A comprehensive digital systems maturity model aims to create seamless experiences while ensuring that systems serve people, not bureaucracy. Transformational Culture for a New Generation goes beyond compliance to create an environment where emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability are valued alongside technical knowledge. The focus extends to curriculum innovation and deep societal connection. Systemic Sustainability and Strategic Responsible Investment tackles the financial realities facing higher education. Two new initiatives demonstrate this commitment: The VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund for student support (already boosted by R1,3 million from the Motsepe Foundation, matched by the UFS) and the Talent Magnet Fund to attract world-class academics. Collaborative Innovation and Global Integration breaks down artificial barriers between disciplines, institutions, and sectors. Rather than working in isolation, Prof Klopper envisions building future-fit partnerships. 'My vision is for the UFS to become an Innovation Hub – a true Entrepreneurial Knowledge Ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be.' Four Guardrails for Success Four non-negotiable guardrails will assist the university in guiding this transformation: The Irreplaceable Heart of the UFS is its People, as human connection becomes more precious in the age of artificial intelligence. The Strategic People Development Strategy will assist in building leadership capacity for the digital age. Leading Through Partnership in the Age of Collaboration will require 'unified leadership with a unified purpose'. From Vision to Innovative Reality will keep the university focused on the execution and transformative impact of its actions. Responsible Societal Futures will be the institution's North Star, ensuring that knowledge serves justice, sustainability, and humanity. A Seven-Point Action Plan Moving beyond vision to execution, Prof Klopper announced concrete steps that are already in motion: Establishing a Transdisciplinary Innovation Hub on the South Campus in Bloemfontein to drive research, commercialisation, industry partnership, and student entrepreneurship. Transdisciplinary research within thematic research areas. Optimisation of professional and support services through the alignment and streamlining of functions. Systematically reviewing the academic programme portfolio. A strategic people development strategy driven by the soon-to-be-launched UFS Training Academy. Implementing a comprehensive transformation scorecard. Creating the UFS Knowledge Enterprise and UFS Commercial entities for income diversification. Walking Into History Prof Klopper's vision positions the UFS not just as a follower of global trends, but as a leader in defining what African universities can become in the digital age. The journey has begun. The destination: a university that does not just adapt to the future but actively shapes it. 'We walk together towards responsible societal futures, unified in purpose, committed to excellence, and determined to make the University of the Free State a beacon of hope for our city, our province, our nation, our continent, and our world.' DM Contact Us: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 [email protected] UFS social media: Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn YouTube
IOL News
4 days ago
- Science
- IOL News
Leading Change: Prof Hester C. Klopper Charts Bold Course for the University of the Free State
Attending the installation ceremony were, from the left: Mr David Noko, Chairperson, UFS Council; Mrs Tirelo Sibisi, Vice-Chairperson, UFS Council; Prof Hester C. Klopper, UFS Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Ms Mimmy Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education; and Prof Bonang Mohale, Chancellor of the UFS. Image: supplied History was made at the University of the Free State (UFS) as Prof Hester C. Klopper was officially inaugurated on 9 June 2025 as the institution's 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal – and the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the institution's 121-year history. Presented in the Odeion Auditorium on the Bloemfontein Campus and attended by a wide variety of university stakeholders, high-profile guests, and staff, the installation ceremony was a momentous occasion, marked by celebratory moments. Prof Klopper's inauguration address, titled Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change, unveiled an innovative vision that promises to reshape the UFS and South Africa's higher education landscape for the digital age. Bold new ventures include two major funding initiatives, as well as the launch of a Veterinary Science programme at the UFS, making it only the second institution in South Africa to offer this qualification. It all forms part of a vision to transform the UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence responsibly while preserving human connection and an African identity. Creating responsible societal futures is at the centre of this vision. Mr David Noko, Chairperson of the UFS Council, congratulates Prof Hester C. Klopper on her installation as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS. Image: supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading AI Revolution in Higher Education During her inauguration address, Prof Klopper expounded on the educational crossroads facing universities worldwide. While artificial intelligence capabilities double in power every few months, she argued, educational systems remain frozen in 19th-century models. "We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists," she declared. Prof Klopper has a clear vision for UFS graduates. In a world where AI can process information faster than humans and generate content more efficiently than writers, she urged for a critical evaluation of what makes graduates valuable. "Not their ability to memorise information – AI can do that infinitely better," she explained. "What will make them irreplaceable is their ability to think creatively, empathise deeply, ask the right questions, challenge assumptions, and work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence." Innovative Abilities within the UFS Prof Klopper's approach is not about importing solutions from elsewhere. Through extensive engagement with staff, students, and stakeholders since her appointment on 1 February 2025, she has reached the encouraging realisation that the required innovative abilities already exist within the UFS. "How do we further unlock the potential that lies dormant in our own university?" she asked. The answer, she believes, lies in one powerful concept: connection. Transdisciplinary teaching and research and regional and global collaboration form a fertile breeding ground for cutting-edge innovation. She indicated that the UFS' purpose is embedded in five intersected and interconnected strategic pillars, four guardrails, and a concise action plan. Five Strategic Pillars for the Future Academic Excellence and AI-Enhanced Research Impact tops her agenda. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a threat, Prof Klopper envisions it as amplifying human creativity. The university will pursue transdisciplinary research tackling climate change, inequality, and technological disruption. Institutional Agility in the Age of Exponential Change addresses the bureaucratic bottlenecks plaguing modern universities. A comprehensive digital systems maturity model aims to create seamless experiences while ensuring that systems serve people, not bureaucracy. Transformational Culture for a New Generation goes beyond compliance to create an environment where emotional intelligence, creativity, and adaptability are valued alongside technical knowledge. The focus extends to curriculum innovation and deep societal connection. Systemic Sustainability and Strategic Responsible Investment tackles the financial realities facing higher education. Two new initiatives demonstrate this commitment: The VC-ISRC Imbewu Legacy Fund for student support (already boosted by R1,3 million from the Motsepe Foundation, matched by the UFS) and the Talent Magnet Fund to attract world-class academics. Collaborative Innovation and Global Integration breaks down artificial barriers between disciplines, institutions, and sectors. Rather than working in isolation, Prof Klopper envisions building future-fit partnerships. 'My vision is for the UFS to become an Innovation Hub – a true Entrepreneurial Knowledge Ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be.' Four Guardrails for Success Four non-negotiable guardrails will assist the university in guiding this transformation: The Irreplaceable Heart of the UFS is its People, as human connection becomes more precious in the age of artificial intelligence. The Strategic People Development Strategy will assist in building leadership capacity for the digital age. Leading Through Partnership in the Age of Collaboration will require 'unified leadership with a unified purpose'. From Vision to Innovative Reality will keep the university focused on the execution and transformative impact of its actions. Responsible Societal Futures will be the institution's North Star, ensuring that knowledge serves justice, sustainability, and humanity. A Seven-Point Action Plan Moving beyond vision to execution, Prof Klopper announced concrete steps that are already in motion: Establishing a Transdisciplinary Innovation Hub on the South Campus in Bloemfontein to drive research, commercialisation, industry partnership, and student entrepreneurship. Transdisciplinary research within thematic research areas. Optimisation of professional and support services through the alignment and streamlining of functions. Systematically reviewing the academic programme portfolio. A strategic people development strategy driven by the soon-to-be-launched UFS Training Academy. Implementing a comprehensive transformation scorecard. Creating the UFS Knowledge Enterprise and UFS Commercial entities for income diversification. Prof Hester C. Klopper, 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS and the first woman to lead the university in its 121-year history. Image: Supplied Walking Into History Prof Klopper's vision positions the UFS not just as a follower of global trends, but as a leader in defining what African universities can become in the digital age. The journey has begun. The destination: a university that does not just adapt to the future but actively shapes it. 'We walk together towards responsible societal futures, unified in purpose, committed to excellence, and determined to make the University of the Free State a beacon of hope for our city, our province, our nation, our continent, and our world.' Contact UFS: Bloemfontein Campus: +27 51 401 9111 Qwaqwa Campus: +27 58 718 5000 South Campus: +27 51 401 9111 info@ UFS social media Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: LinkedIn: YouTube: University of The Free State Image: Supplied
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UFS bolsters fintech portfolio with Quest Analytics purchase
UFS, a provider of technology solutions for community banks, has acquired Quest Analytics, a Pittsburgh-based financial services technology company. Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. With over 25 years of history, Quest Analytics has been utilising its banking expertise and technology solutions to improve sales and business performance for financial institutions. Its platform, which includes nine modules, offers customer success tools such as marketing, lead generation, and data analytics. The integration of Quest Analytics with UFS's technology and service delivery offers banks access to a single partner for their customer engagement and operational needs. Quest Analytics president Karl Keller said: "Our team, originating from banking backgrounds, recognised the hurdles faced by bankers in customising generic CRM systems to suit the distinct requirements of financial institutions. Our mission was to develop tools and a banking engagement system enabling institutions to harness the potential of their data, enhance customer relationships and streamline the efficiency of bank staff." UFS CEO Mike Tenpas stated: "The combination of Quest Analytics and the UFS Banking Applications suite will provide a deeply integrated and robust technology platform capable of redefining customer journeys and producing material financial benefits for our clients. 'We are excited to welcome Karl Keller and his team to UFS." UFS's offerings span core banking solutions, managed IT, cybersecurity, and advisory services. Set up in 1991, UFS partners with more than 450 financial institutions across the US. Quest Analytics, established in 2001, focuses on aiding banks and credit unions to expand and increase profitability through technology and training. "UFS bolsters fintech portfolio with Quest Analytics purchase " was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
The Herald
10-06-2025
- Science
- The Herald
UFS inaugurates new vice-chancellor and principal
Professor Hester Klopper was officially inaugurated as the 15th vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) and is the first woman to lead the university in its 121-year history, in a ceremony at its Bloemfontein campus on Monday. She was appointed to this position on February 1. In her inaugural address, titled 'Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change' , Klopper outlined her vision to transform UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence while preserving human connection and African identity. Klopper challenged the higher education sector to confront an uncomfortable reality about the pace of technological change vs educational transformation. 'Artificial intelligence capabilities are advancing exponentially, doubling in power every few months. However, our educational systems remain fundamentally unchanged from their industrial-era origins. 'We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists,' she said. Klopper emphasised that it was essential for UFS to find its place and purpose in confronting the challenges faced by the higher education sector, and not merely emulate what other institutions were doing. 'The question before us is not whether we will adapt — it is whether we will step up and lead this transformation or be swept aside by it,' she said. Klopper shared her vision of UFS as 'a true entrepreneurial knowledge ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be'. She emphasised that preparing students for the world of work will focus on 'their ability to think creatively, to empathise deeply, to ask the right questions, to challenge assumptions, and to work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence'.
SowetanLIVE
09-06-2025
- Science
- SowetanLIVE
UFS inaugurates new vice-chancellor and principal
Professor Hester Klopper was officially inaugurated as the 15th vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) and is the first woman to lead the university in its 121-year history, in a ceremony at its Bloemfontein campus on Monday. She was appointed to this position on February 1. In her inaugural address, titled 'Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change', Klopper outlined her vision to transform UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence while preserving human connection and African identity. Klopper challenged the higher education sector to confront an uncomfortable reality about the pace of technological change vs educational transformation. 'Artificial intelligence capabilities are advancing exponentially, doubling in power every few months. However, our educational systems remain fundamentally unchanged from their industrial-era origins. 'We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists,' she said. Klopper emphasised that it was essential for UFS to find its place and purpose in confronting the challenges faced by the higher education sector, and not merely emulate what other institutions were doing. 'The question before us is not whether we will adapt — it is whether we will step up and lead this transformation or be swept aside by it,' she said. Klopper shared her vision of UFS as 'a true entrepreneurial knowledge ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be'. She emphasised that preparing students for the world of work will focus on 'their ability to think creatively, to empathise deeply, to ask the right questions, to challenge assumptions, and to work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence'.
