The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Loyiso Nongxa and the Wits Senior Executive Team announce with great pleasure the appointment of Prof. Derek Keats as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Knowledge and Information Management.
Prof. Keats will be joining Wits in January 2009 after ending his term as the Executive Director, Information and Communication Services at the University of the Western Cape. Prof. Keats is well-known for his extensive efforts to facilitate research into online learning.
His research interests include the use of computer networks, particularly web-based techniques in education, development and sustainable environments; e-Collaboration and lessons for international collaboration from Free Software (open source) and related initiatives; next-generation e-learning and other software systems research and development, particularly using it as an opportunity to build software engineering capacity in Africa; Education 3.0 and how new technologies are removing some of the constraints on higher education, with a particular focus on Africa; and Free and Open Source Software and Free and Open Resources for Education (including Open Courseware).
Prof. Keats will be responsible for giving strategic direction to and lead the broad area of Knowledge and Information Management. The area provides central support for the myriad and vital information and telecommunication functions of the University, facilitating achievement of the University’s goals.
The area significantly also focuses on the policies, strategies and services of libraries, Computer and Network Services, telecommunications and strategic and management information services.
“We are looking forward in welcoming Prof. Keats as part of the Wits family and for the valuable input he will make into the overall strategic management of the institution. Prof. Keats brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise which will be highly regarded and appreciated by the Wits community.”
“We wish him good luck and are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with him on board,” said Prof. Nongxa.