Meet the manager who is a newly appointed member of the Institutional Forum, representing Professional Services staff members.

June-Rose Ngcobo was recently appointed to serve on UP’s Institutional Forum, as a representative of Professional Services employees. We find out more about her!

Tell us about yourself and what you do at UP?

I was born and bred in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. After completing my high school education, I pursued my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Wits University. I am currently completing my PhD at the University of Pretoria. I am a manager in the Department of Research and Innovation, and I am responsible for facilitating international agreements and partnerships with universities and research entities across the globe. This includes administering UP’s support for academic staff and doctoral students to travel abroad for various academic activities, such as presenting at conferences, facilitating workshops, visiting state-of-the-art research equipment, or building international collaborations. I also manage international strategic research programmes and oversee the administration of international research mobility for staff and students, under the Erasmus Plus Programme. Prior to joining UP, I worked for the National Research Foundation and Human Sciences Research Council. My roles included managing research programmes and grants, as well as supporting postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

What inspired you to choose your field of study/profession, and what challenges did you overcome to pursue it?

My background is in psychology, and I chose it because it resonates with my passion for development. It teaches skills that enhance good human behaviour, social cohesion, and well-being, particularly mental wellness. Pursuing my studies at Wits came with challenges including adjusting in a new city, as well as coping with high intellectual expectations top university. Nevertheless, I was determined to succeed, and so I took advantage of available support to further my studies.

Who/what prompted you to raise your hand for this enormous role?

I was approached by colleagues in my department and from Library Services. They requested my permission to nominate me for the Institutional Forum role. I was humbled by such confidence in me and agreed to be nominated, even though the responsibility sounded challenging. UP is a learning environment of high standards, and our global rankings speak for itself. One of the responsibilities in the Institutional Forum is to ensure quality and integrity of the qualifications and services of the University. This calls for a diligent and determined workforce with zeal for excellence. For me, it is inspiring to do the kind of work that fuels my passion, and the Institutional Forum role does it.

As a woman in Professional Services, which topics/issues will you be paying special attention to?

I believe women have a unique character in leadership roles. Theirs come with a nurturing nature, and “that thing” that only women can exhibit. So, I intend to listen to my colleagues, reason with them, and bring forth solutions that propel success for everyone. As mentioned before, I am passionate about development, so I intend to pay attention to the development of women in all spheres, as well as ensure their safety and an enabling environment for women to thrive. It is fulfilling to contribute to someone’s career. This leadership role provides me a platform to make that contribution.