The Board of Directors of Monash South Africa is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Alwyn Louw as the Academic President of Monash South Africa effective May 19, 2014. Professor Louw brings more than 20 years of academic and management experience to his role and will be responsible for the academic leadership of the organization. He will work alongside the CEO of Monash South Africa on the strategic direction of the campus and overall student experience.
Prior to joining Monash South Africa, Professor Louw served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Acting Vice-Chancellor of Vaal University of Technology. He joined the institution in 2008 as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Research. He has also held senior leadership roles at Technikon SA, UNISA and at Vista University’s Welkom Campus. Professor Louw began his career in business and the pharmaceutical sector before moving to academia at the University of Namibia in 1985.
A sociologist by training, Professor Louw is passionate about driving social change and development through academic innovation and technology. He is committed to strong learning outcomes and a student-centred approach.
As Academic President of Monash South Africa, Professor Louw is expected to build on the strengths of the institution and advance its position, including in positive outcomes for graduates, academic innovation and strategic partnerships. He will also contribute to priority initiatives focused on increasing student enrollment and developing new program offerings.
“Professor Louw’s extensive academic and leadership experience make him a natural choice for the role of Academic President at Monash South Africa. We are confident his drive and commitment will take this institution to the next level of growth as we expand access to quality higher education with a highly personalized approach that puts the student at the centre of everything we do,” said Paul Ramler, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Monash South Africa.
Professor Louw obtained his BA, BA (Hons) and Masters of Arts in Sociology from the University of the Free State and earned his PhD in Sociology from Vista University. He is married with two children.