The University of Pretoria stands on the principles of excellence, inclusivity, and impact. As Vice- Chancellor, my focus is on a human-centred approach. Leadership means listening, valuing people, and creating conditions for both individuals and institutions to succeed. I believe that leadership is about enabling growth, rather than trying to control. By empowering people, we uplift the whole community. It is this philosophy that shapes my work at UP.
Our long-term strategy, Thrive UP 2038, presents a bold vision. We aim to be a research-intensive university driven by impact, dedicated to creating fair, sustainable, and resilient futures. This vision aligns with my personal values. It encourages us to develop adaptable, ethical, and socially aware graduates, advance research that tackles society’s urgent challenges, and adopt sustainable practices that protect this institution as well as the planet.
We are deeply rooted in Africa, while actively collaborating across the world. UP should be a hub for knowledge, innovation, and dialogue. It should be a place where Africa matters, for itself, and the world. Our Future Africa campus is a reflection of this goal. It serves as a space for collaboration among researchers from different fields to address crucial issues such as sustainable development, governance, and innovations in the bio-resource economy. Our focus on digital transformation and responsible use of artificial intelligence will keep UP at the forefront of higher education in the 21st century.
At the centre of our mission is our students. We must provide them with the opportunity to succeed, no matter their social or financial situation. This means tackling challenges such as funding, hunger, housing, and wellness. Hence, we are introducing new support models. These include scholarships, partnerships with various foundations, better meal-support systems, and combined health and counselling services. The goal is clear: no deserving student should be unable to study due to financial limitations, and every student should feel supported on their journey.
Our staff is crucial to our success. Their loyalty, skills, and creativity drive this institution. We are dedicated to building a caring, inclusive, and high-performance culture that values employee well-being and encourages professional growth and innovation. By bringing together our people and practices, we will ensure UP stays resilient, adaptable, and focused on the future.
We are proud to be one of South Africa's largest producers of graduates and research outputs, consistently ranked among Africa’s top universities. But we are not stopping there. We will keep enhancing UP’s global reputation, strengthen partnerships across sectors, and ensure that our teaching, research, and community engagement lead to real social impact. Whether through micro-credentialing, entrepreneurship, or global exchanges, we will prepare our graduates not just for jobs, but to be leaders and active citizens who influence society positively.
The University of Pretoria is more than its buildings, rankings, or achievements. It is its people. I invite our staff, students, alumni, and partners to join me on this journey. Together, we can elevate UP to new levels of excellence, inclusivity, and impact, making certain that this university not only responds to change but also shapes the future.
Professor Francis Petersen
Vice-Chancellor and Principal