Prof. Anthea Rhoda currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (CHS) at the University of the Western Cape and holds a Professorship in the Department of Physiotherapy at UWC.
She has completed a BSc and a PhD in Physiotherapy as well as completing a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy (Neurology) and an MSc in Medical Sciences (Rehabilitation).
As an NRF C1-rated researcher, she stands as a distinguished leader and scholar, contributing a rich reservoir of expertise, extensive networks, and regional as well as global collaborations to the UFS.
Prof. Rhoda’s research endeavours, backed by grants from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), centre around faculty development and inter-professional education.
Her impactful research is evident through a body of work comprising publications in esteemed international and local journals, authored books, and engaging presentations at conferences held both domestically and internationally.
“Prof. Rhoda is regarded as a trailblazer in her field of specialisation. Her more than 30 years of professional industry and higher education experience in previous roles, among others as a full professor and Dean of the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences at UWC, and various academic roles since 1988 at the UWC, Stellenbosch University, and the Western Cape Department of Health, places her in good standing to elevate the academic portfolio, aligned to the UFS’ Vision 130,” says Prof. Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS.
Prof. Rhoda’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of African scholars is reflected in her supervision of numerous PhD and master’s students from across the continent.
She actively contributes to the development of a robust cohort of emerging academics through her leadership in the Capacity Building Programme for Associate Lecturers and the facilitation of the Mentoring for Academics Programme at UWC.
Serving as an associate editor for the African Journal of Health Professions Education, underscores her dedication to advancing scholarship in the field.
In addition to her impactful roles, Prof. Rhoda has successfully completed various fellowships, including the Sub-Saharan Africa-FAIMER Regional Institute (SAFRI) fellowship programme for health professionals.
Further demonstrating her commitment to professional growth, she participated in a Strategic Management Programme at the Saïd Business School of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
Notably, she has fulfilled her term as the Chair of the South African Committee of Health Sciences Deans, adding a significant leadership dimension to her diverse contributions in academia.
“Prof. Rhoda’s excellent standing among national peers and her unique experience and networks, as well as her knowledge and understanding of the South African, African, and global higher-education environment, research systems, and breadth of community engagement are deep and extensive. We wish her well in the new portfolio and look forward to working with her,” said Prof. Petersen.
“I am looking forward to my new role as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at the UFS, contributing to achieving the university’s Vision 130, driving the agenda of impacting society through transdisciplinary approaches, and graduating students for the changing world of work,” said Prof. Rhoda.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
