New deputy appointed at university to help students on their way ahead

Prof. José Frantz is the new deputy vice-chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley.

This will be effective from 1 February 2026. Frantz joins the SPU from the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where she has served with distinction as deputy vice-chancellor: Research and Innovation since 2017.

With more than three decades of experience in higher education, she brings exceptional leadership in advancing research excellence, innovation, and postgraduate education, said the SPU.

Under her leadership at the UWC, Frantz significantly strengthened research capacity, securing over R50 million in external research funding, expanding international collaborations, and increasing the proportion of PhD-qualified staff.

She has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students to completion and played a pivotal role in developing inclusive excellence frameworks that advance transformation within the academic community.

ALSO READ: Centre for advancing rural education launched at Sol Plaatje University

Her extensive experience in building research ecosystems, establishing international partnerships, and championing innovation strongly aligns with the SPU’s goal of driving knowledge creation.

Known for her values-driven leadership and passion for mentorship, she believes that true innovation flourishes where research excellence meets compassion and collaboration.

Her leadership philosophy is rooted in empowering emerging scholars, nurturing the next generation of academics, and ensuring that research translates into real societal impact.

Frantz holds a PhD in Physiotherapy from the UWC and has completed advanced leadership programmes at Oxford University, the University of Cape Town (UCT), and the University of Oldenburg.

Prof. Debra Meyer, the SPU’s acting and vice-chancellor designate, commended the SPU Council on the appointment, saying Frantz’s visionary leadership and proven track record in research and innovation is exactly what is needed to further strengthen SPU as an emerging center of academic excellence and societal impact.