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UJ MUST REMAIN A LEADER IN PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Prof Sehaam Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
“UJ REMAINS A LEADER IN PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION AND ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE.”
student success, transformative learning experiences, and impactful research that addresses societal needs. Through these initiatives, she aims to shape a dynamic and engaged academic community that leaves a lasting impact on the university, students, and society. Her primary goals are to ensure that UJ remains at the forefront of academic excellence and innovation while continuously enhancing the quality and impact of our teaching, research, global engagement and community engagement, she says. “These goals are aligned with UJ’s strategic vision to become a leading academic institution in Africa by prioritising student success, fostering inclusive educational environments, and driving research that addresses societal challenges. “Staff also remain a priority. We must create an empowering and inclusive work environment where all staff members feel valued, supported, and inspired to achieve personal and professional growth. Khan says past accomplishments have prepared her for the demands of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) position. Her senior leadership roles at several universities enabled her to successfully lead academic and research portfolios. For instance, during her tenures as Dean and Executive Dean, she could implement innovative academic strategies, manage faculty development, and enhance student success initiatives. Also, her scholarly work has been widely published in reputable journals and widely presented at national and international conferences, underscoring her expertise in her research field. At a previous institution, Khan also won the established Teaching Excellence Award of the university.
Prof Sehaam Khan, recently promoted to Deputy Vice- Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), aims to champion innovation, inclusivity, and responsiveness to societal needs in her new position. Focussing on ensuring that our academic programs meet global standards and are deeply relevant to the local context, we must ensure that UJ remains a leader in pedagogical innovation and academic excellence while contributing to the national discourse on transforming higher education to meet the needs of our society, she says. “Student success has always been a priority for me. In this new role, I can exert a more significant influence. I now work with a great team of deans,senior directors and support staff to ensure we prioritise supporting and championing initiatives to improve student retention, graduation rates, and overall academic success. “We have also continued implementing student support systems, like academic advising, mentorship programmes, UJ 101 and targeted interventions for at-risk students. Further, we emphasise innovative teaching methods and the incorporation of real-world applications to enhance student engagement and success. Our interdisciplinary programs and academic pathways align with future skills and industry needs, supporting student employability and success. During her tenure, Khan aspires to cultivate a legacy of academic excellence, inclusivity, and innovation that empowers students and faculty to reach their highest potential. I envision an academic culture at UJ centred on
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