UNISA Doctor Appointed Chair of NSFAS

UNISA Doctor Appointed Chair of NSFAS. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has appointed Dr. Karen Stander, a senior lecturer at the University of South Africa (Unisa), as its new chairperson. This appointment, made by Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, the Minister of Higher Education, marks a significant milestone in Stander’s academic and leadership career.

Who is Dr. Karen Stander?

Dr. Karen Stander is a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Business Management at Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS). With over 13 years in academia, she has earned numerous accolades, including:

• 2019 CEMS Community Engagement Award
• 2020 Unisa Teaching and Learning Award
• 2023 EDHE Award (Second Place)

She holds a PhD in Business Management from the University of Pretoria and is known for her commitment to entrepreneurship and sustainability in education.

NSFAS and Its Role in South African Education

NSFAS is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance to students from low-income backgrounds pursuing higher education at public universities and technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges.

Although the scheme has faced controversies over the years, Dr. Stander remains optimistic about her leadership role and the positive changes she hopes to bring. She sees this as an opportunity to shape the future of higher education funding in South Africa.

“It is a great privilege to contribute to the future of many South Africans through this role. I draw strength from the writings of Zerubbabel, which remind us that before the final stone can be laid, the first one must be placed,” – Dr. Karen Stander.

Dr. Stander’s Vision for South African Education

As the new NSFAS chairperson, Dr. Stander is passionate about:

• Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem to empower students to become job creators rather than job seekers.
• Advancing the development of Sustainability Sciences degrees to help graduates make a global impact.
• Encouraging students to embrace integrity, resilience, and purpose in their academic and professional journeys.

“Ensure that you are healthy, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Lay your foundation with integrity, resilience, and purpose, and you will be ready to step up to the challenges of leadership,” – Dr. Karen Stander to NSFAS students.

FAQs About Dr. Karen Stander’s Appointment

Q1: Who appointed Dr. Karen Stander as NSFAS chairperson?

Dr. Stander was appointed by Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, the Minister of Higher Education.

Q2: What is Dr. Karen Stander’s academic background?

She is a senior lecturer at Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) and holds a PhD in Business Management from the University of Pretoria.

Q3: What changes does Dr. Stander aim to bring to NSFAS?

She envisions a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem, supports sustainability-focused education, and encourages students to develop leadership qualities.

Conclusion

Dr. Karen Stander’s appointment as NSFAS chairperson is a promising step for South African education. With her academic expertise, leadership skills, and passion for student empowerment, she is well-positioned to drive positive change in the higher education sector. Her commitment to entrepreneurship, sustainability, and leadership development aligns with the future goals of NSFAS and South African students.