The Faculty of Humanities officially welcomed the newly appointed Dean, Professor Kevin Thomas, on 30 May 2024. Professor Thomas began his role as Dean on 1 May 2024, coming from the University of Cape Town. The Dean’s welcome event was attended by academic staff, professional staff and representative of the faculty’s student community.

Professor Thomas brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will undoubtedly enrich our academic community. With a distinguished academic background, including a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Arizona, an MA from the University of Southern California, and a BA from Harvard University, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in research and teaching throughout his career.

Having started his academic journey as a lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cape Town, Professor Thomas has excelled in various roles, significantly contributing to the field of psychology. His extensive publication record, comprising over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, and his success in securing research grants from prestigious organizations such as the National Research Foundation and the Medical Research Council, underscore his standing as a leading scholar in his field.

Furthermore, Professor Thomas's dedication to mentorship is evident in his supervision of numerous honours, masters, and PhD students over the years. His leadership experience, coupled with his active involvement in professional associations such as the South African Clinical Neuropsychological Association, the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, the Psychological Society of South Africa, and the Association for Psychological Science, further enhances his contributions to our academic community.

In her welcome speech, Professor Zitha Mokomane, head of the Department of Sociology, expressed her enthusiasm on behalf of the academic staff, highlighting "the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas" Professor Thomas will bring to the humanities community.

As a member of the Applied Cognitive Science and Experimental Neuropsychology Team (ACSENT) at the University of Cape Town, Professor Thomas brings valuable insights and perspectives that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our Faculty.

In his address, Professor Thomas reflected on his first 30 days at UP. He expressed gratitude for the faculty's efforts in making his initial days pleasant and highlighted the strong sense of "family" he experienced. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of fostering a sense of belonging within the faculty.

The Faculty is confident that Professor Thomas's leadership and vision will propel the Faculty of Humanities to new heights of excellence. With his extensive experience in research, teaching, and mentorship, we anticipate significant advancements in our academic programs, research initiatives, and community engagement. Under his guidance, we look forward to fostering a dynamic and innovative environment that supports both faculty and students in achieving their highest potential.