Uni appoints new vice-chancellor

The head of South Africa’s largest university will take up the reins at the University of Canterbury next year, replacing Dr Rod Carr as vice-chancellor.

Vice-chancellor of the University of Pretoria in South Africa’s Gauteng province, Professor Cheryl de la Rey, will start in February.

In a statement released by the University of Canterbury (UC), de la Rey thanked its council for ‘‘the vote of confidence’’ and said she hoped to ‘‘build on the good work of my predecessor’’.

Carr, who leaves the university after a decade in the role, would be remembered for his ‘‘invaluable’’ business acumen that steered the institution through ‘‘the most challenging time in its history’’ during and after the earthquakes, chancellor Dr John Wood said.

‘‘His leadership of its recovery, transformation and contribution to the university’s future success cannot be overstated.’’

Wood said de la Rey was known as ‘‘a visionary strategic thinker’’ who opened the possibility of a university education up to a wide range of people.

A registered psychologist, de la Rey has published books and held several high-level positions at South Africa’s University of Cape Town, Council on Higher Education, and National Research Foundation.

‘‘She also brings extensive experience and demonstrated management ability from a range of tertiary education roles in South Africa, which I know she is looking forward to bringing to New Zealand,’’ Wood said.