Dr Michele Ruiters elected President of Rhodes University Convocation

Rhodes University Alumni have entrusted Dr Michele Ruiters with the role of President of Convocation.

She is a senior lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) that is associated with the University of Pretoria.

Ruiters teaches human and organisational behaviour courses, diversity, equality and inclusion. She is also the lead faculty on Leading Women at GIBS, which provides courses to corporate organisations and Master’s in Business Administration on women and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism and a Master’s degree in International Relations, both from Rhodes University. She takes over from Professor Peter Mtuze.

Dr Ruiters reflects since taking over the realms of President of Convocation: “There is no rule book that outlines the role beyond the ceremonial function and the expectation of ‘representing’ the alumni community of the University.

“I have been advised on the opportunities for taking a more active role in the affairs of the University like being an observer on the Board of Governors’ Development Committee.

“The committee’s role includes identifying advancement initiatives for students and the broader Rhodes University community. This is an ideal starting point. I, together with other Board members, aim to continue to raise the needs of alumni and attract philanthropic investments into the University.

“Alumni contributions, financial and in kind, play a critical role in building the University and ensuring that the needs of future students are aligned to the willingness of past students’ to contribute to fundraising projects.

“I have realised how many academics, professionals and social entrepreneurs have had the unique experience of studying at Rhodes University. We each have a story of what happened to us during our years at an institution that was isolated from the world but so integral to our development. If only we could harness that.

“Everyone is invited to contribute, no matter how small their contribution, to the future of another Rhodian or to a community project that acknowledges Rhodes University’s inextricable link to the wider Makhanda community.

“In the past, I’ve not placed much importance on requests for support from Rhodes University because they didn’t quite address my interests. The only way we can improve the link between the alumni and the University’s initiatives is by letting the Alumni and Stakeholders Relations Office know what you’d like to do.”

She said she was profoundly humbled and surprised by her appointment as the President of Rhodes University Convocation following nomination by her class mates.

“I had no expectations beyond knowing Rhodes University has a high calibre of alumni. I am familiar with the University as a student and a lecturer, which should inform my role as President of Convocation. I still aspire to be the best I can be, and this means having a growth mindset. I live to learn and look forward to learning more through my role,” she said.

The newly elected President brings a broad experience of different contexts. She has attended and taught at four South African Universities (Rhodes University, University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town and the University of Pretoria), taught internationally at the Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, where she received a PhD in Political Science.

She has extensive experience in development work across the African continent and in the development finance sector.

“My work and world have always been focused on inclusion and representation.  I bring all these experiences to Convocation, including my focus on recognising the battles that women still face in our professional and personal lives.  I think I’m the first black women President of Convocation and I don’t plan to let that go to waste,” she said.

Dr Ruiters’ tenure runs until the meeting of the Convocation in 2023.