‘Champion of transformation’ appointed as UCT engineering dean

The University of Cape Town has appointed its first female Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE).

Professor Alison Lewis will take up her new position on June 1‚ the university said in a statement.

UCT Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price said of Lewis: “She has championed transformation initiatives by establishing four new academic posts in the department‚ three of which have been filled by black South Africans.”

Price noted that Lewis has facilitated the Assistant Lecturer programme‚ “which enables postgraduate students to develop teaching skills which could make them potentially employable in academic positions one they’ve completed their studies”.

 Dr Price also said: “EBE plays a critical role in working towards solving the global problems of the 21st century – water‚ energy and food security.”