By Tarryn-Leigh Solomons
The University of Pretoria (UP) has officially inaugurated Professor Francis Petersen as its 14th vice-chancellor and principal. The ceremony, held on Friday, 14 March 2025, was attended by academics, business leaders, and government representatives.
South African Business Integrator was among the guests present at the event.
In his inaugural address, Professor Petersen reflected on the university’s past, present, and future. “I am honoured to stand before you today as the 14th vice-chancellor in the 117-year history of the University of Pretoria,” he said. “I can only pledge to do my utmost to serve in this significant role faithfully, with dedication, but also with passion.”
He paid tribute to his predecessors, acknowledging their contributions to the university. “Our strength lies in working together to transform the future,” he said.
Professor Petersen outlined five key pillars that will guide his leadership.
- A people-centric approach
The university will place people at the centre of its operations, fostering a human-centred, student-centred, and staff-centred environment. This approach is based on inclusive excellence and enthusiastic diversity, ensuring that everyone at the University of Pretoria feels valued and that they belong.
- Elevating the university’s global standing and impact
The university will strengthen its international reputation through efforts to expand and capitalise on its research enterprise, driving global impact while maintaining local relevance.
- Leveraging Pretoria’s strategic location
Located in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa and a central hub for government, business, and industry, the university will position itself as a global intellectual leader on African matters.
- Harnessing digitalisation and technology
The university will embrace digital transformation across teaching and learning, research, and innovation. It will focus on ethical governance, artificial intelligence, and the optimisation of infrastructure through digital twin technology.
- Enhancing societal development and community engagement
The university will strengthen its contribution to society by ensuring that its teaching, learning, research, and innovation have a tangible and transformative impact.
Professor Petersen described universities as engines of the economy, catalysts of social mobility, the foundations of democracy, and homes for the pursuit of truth and independent thought. He said the UP would continue to embrace its responsibility as a centre for academic excellence and social impact.
“Together with the leadership team, we are mapping out the practical actions needed to further realise the institution’s bold vision – to be a leading, research-intensive university in Africa, recognised internationally for its quality, development, and impact.”
He highlighted challenges facing higher education, including geopolitical instability, climate change, misinformation, and mental health struggles. “More than ever, universities have a crucial role to play in the development and preservation of democratic societies,” he said. “This moment calls for higher education to actively embrace its civic and democratic purpose.”
He acknowledged his family’s support. “I would like to recognise my mother, Mary Petersen, who is in the audience today, for everything that she and my late dad have done for me,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to his wife, Kristen for her continuous encouragement, and their children.
As Professor Petersen takes on this role, his vision for the UP is focused on academic excellence, social responsibility, and transformative leadership. “The University of Pretoria will honour its responsibility to provide intellectual and moral leadership,” he said.
