Prof Hester Klopper appointed Vice-Chancellor of UFS

Celebrating the Appointment of Prof Hester Klopper: A Visionary Leader with Deep Healthcare Roots

The South African Association of Campus Health Services extends warm congratulations to Prof Hester Klopper on her appointment as the 15th Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Free State (UFS). Prof Klopper’s remarkable career, rooted in healthcare and enriched by decades of academic leadership, positions her uniquely to lead the institution into a future defined by innovation, inclusivity, and transformation.

Beginning her higher education journey in 1985 with a General Nursing Science and Midwifery qualification, Prof Klopper’s commitment to healthcare has been a cornerstone of her professional identity. This foundation paved the way for an illustrious career that includes a PhD from the University of Johannesburg, an MBA from the University of Luton, and an honorary doctorate from Oxford Brookes University in the UK.

Her dedication to health and well-being has resonated throughout her career. As Chairperson and CEO of the Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa (FUNDISA), and later as the leader of one of the largest international nursing organisations, Prof Klopper championed nursing and midwifery as vital contributors to global health systems. Under her leadership, the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing and Midwifery (GAPFON) expanded its reach, advancing strategic dialogues on healthcare transformation across 95 countries.

Prof Klopper’s healthcare expertise is complemented by her dynamic leadership in higher education. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs at Stellenbosch University, she expanded her portfolio to include critical areas such as information governance, data analytics, and strategic internationalisation. Her tenure was marked by the development and execution of Vision 2040, an ambitious framework that elevated Stellenbosch University’s global prominence.

As she steps into her role at UFS, Prof Klopper brings not only a wealth of academic and managerial expertise but also a deep understanding of the interplay between education and health. Her commitment to fostering health and well-being aligns seamlessly with our association’s mission to support the vital role campus health professionals play in student success.

Her statement reflects her visionary approach: “My dedication lies in ensuring that the UFS continues to thrive as a beacon of knowledge, opportunity, and progress for all.” We are confident that her leadership will continue to highlight the importance of health and well-being as a foundation for academic excellence and social transformation.

On behalf of university campus health professionals nationwide, we welcome Prof Klopper to her new role and celebrate this significant milestone. We look forward to her continued contributions to advancing healthcare within the higher education sector.

Warmest congratulations, Prof Klopper! Your journey and achievements inspire us all.