Innovator elected to lead Convocation
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Stacey-Lee Bolon is the new President of Convocation as of 1 August 2019
Stacey-Lee Bolon has been elected unopposed as President of Convocation, the statutory body that represents graduates and academic staff in the affairs of the University of the Witwatersrand. She takes office for a four-year term on 1 August 2019.
“I am delighted to be taking on the Role as President of Convocation at Wits – a world-class, research-intensive University that is ranked first or second in Africa in all major global rankings,” she says.
Stacey has been an elected member of the Executive Committee of Convocation since 2011, serving two terms.
The outgoing Acting President of Convocation, Dr Maurice Goodman (MBBCh 1983, MBA 1987), will continue to serve on the Executive Committee of Convocation. Stacey paid tribute to his leadership, saying: “I wish to thank Dr Maurice Goodman, Chief Medical Officer of Discovery Health, for his loyal and distinguished service as Acting President. Maurice has been a long-standing and dedicated member of the Convocation Exco, initially as a representative of the Wits Business School Alumni Association and later as a co-opted appointee based on his expertise and standing in the community. Dr Goodman has a long track record of loyal service to the University, including serving on the University Council. Maurice led the Convocation Executive team through an important time in the education sector where his guidance was always aimed at finding common ground and constructive solutions.”
Stacey is an industrial psychologist and has earned several degrees from Wits: BA in Human Movement Science (2007), BA Hons in General Psychology (2008), BA Hons in Industrial Psychology (2009), and MA in Industrial Psychology (2010).
She is the Innovations Manager for FNB’s Business Banking Division, where she manages a team who are responsible for driving and embedding a culture of innovation at every level of the business. In addition, she is the Managing Director of an education technology startup called Early is Best, which aims to improve access to early childhood education via digital technology and gaming. Stacey is also a Director of Venture Network, a registered non-profit company which powers entrepreneurial networks through startup pitch evenings that connect entrepreneurs and investors.
In her role as President of Convocation, Stacey will lead the executive team of Convocation and will be a member of Council (the governing body of the University). She will work in collaboration with the Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Habib, the Alumni Relations Office and the Development and Fundraising Office in promoting Wits in the run up to the University’s centenary in 2022.
Stacey is passionate about preparing people to participate in the digital economy.
I believe that the state of an education system is a reflection of a country’s ability to succeed. South Africa needs to become the generator of more disruptive thought-leadership and innovation; and I believe this will be done through a shift in mindset by those who set the academic agenda. Wits University has a responsibility to maintain its esteemed reputation through equipping students to produce ground-breaking work and make a positive impact, during their studies and beyond.
The University has an exceptional leadership and management team who are committed to the evolution of our education system. We are on the brink of something great!”
Wits University currently has about 180 000 graduates and is expected to reach 200 000 by its centenary year, 2022.