Born into a family where education was paramount, Dr Marchantia Pollock, who’s graduated with a PhD in Accounting Sciences, has flourished in her role as a lecturer at the University of Pretoria (UP), embracing her passion for moulding future leaders in accounting. Her journey from financial manager to academic exemplifies her dedication to excellence and service to developing young minds.

Growing up in a home where her father served as a deputy principal and her mother as an educator, Dr Pollock was immersed in academic values from an early age. This foundation propelled her to pursue a BCom in Accounting Sciences, followed by an honours degree in the same field at UP.

Her professional trajectory began in the corporate world, where she completed her articles at Deloitte Pretoria, earning her qualification as a chartered accountant. She subsequently took on the role of financial manager, gaining valuable industry experience.

“I believe in living out a passion and having a positive influence in life,” Dr Pollock says. “For me, lecturing is a passion, and I find fulfilment working with young people who represent our future.”

The transition back to UP marked a significant turn in Dr Pollock’s career path. She pursued a master’s degree in Accounting Sciences while embarking on her lecturing journey, which ultimately led to her PhD. Her research focused on a social constructivist and team-teaching approach to accounting education, work that has contributed valuable insights to pedagogical approaches in the field.

Throughout this demanding academic pursuit, Dr Pollock found support from several sources. Professor Stephen Coetzee, Prof  Astrid Schmulian and Prof Elmar Venter helped her to find her research path, while Elna Verster offered emotional and academic administrative support. UP’s resources proved invaluable, both for her teaching responsibilities and doctoral studies. Dr Pollock credits her department for providing the necessary resources to succeed in both lecturing and research endeavours.

Perhaps most significantly, Dr Pollock highlights the importance of personal balance, thanking her family and husband for helping her to maintain equilibrium throughout her demanding career. 

“My family and husband were essential in helping me to balance my life,” she notes