SU’s Tygerberg campus welcomes first female dean 

Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of medicine and health sciences recently appointed its first female dean.

Prof Elmi Muller was appointed as dean of the faculty on 1 January. “I look forward to building relationships with new people, making new friends, getting involved with new projects,” she stated via email correspondence with MatieMedia.

“Being the first female dean in the 66 year history of SU’s faculty of medicine and health sciences, [Muller] breaks new ground, which is very important from a transformation perspective,” said Prof Jimmy Volmink, Muller’s predecessor, via email correspondence with MatieMedia

IMAGE 1: Prof Elmi Muller and Viwe Kobokana, chairperson of Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Student Representative Council, at the welcoming ceremony for SU’s first years at the Danie Craven Stadium on 3 February. PHOTO: Tamara Wicomb

As the first female dean of the faculty, Muller stated that many expectations are placed on her. “Females are often perceived to be more approachable and to have a softer approach to people and their problems. I have always been quite problem-orientated and goal-directed and in some ways I don’t always fit into these expectations.” 

Friendly and helpful colleagues

“It struck [me] how incredibly helpful and friendly the staff is at SU and on this campus,” said Muller as the end of her first term approached. “I am also impressed by the positive energy, and the willingness to engage.”

IMAGE 2: Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of medicine a​​​​nd health sciences​ welcomed Prof Elmi Muller as its first female dean after her predecessor, Prof Jimmy Volmink’s, term came to an end earlier this year. Muller joined SU after her position as head of general surgery at the University of Cape Town. PHOTO: Tamara Wicomb

“All systems need to be fair and open and [conversation regarding expectations of women] should be encouraged, ” said Muller. “I find it easy to relate with people at all levels, I think this is a strength unrelated to my gender.”

During a faculty board meeting held on 17 February, Muller told faculty members that she wants to build an inclusive faculty that respects people regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. “I want you to feel accepted, regardless of your background and who you are,” she said.

“I hope my legacy to be that I cared about the patients of this country, that I made a difference to them. I also want to be known as someone who cares for patients, students and staff,” said Muller. 

IMAGE 3: Prof Elmi Muller, newly appointed dean at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) faculty of medicine and health sciences. Prof Muller was the first general surgeon to perform the first kidney transplant from one HIV+ patient to another HIV+ patient in the world, according to an article on SU’s website . PHOTO: Supplied/Elmi Muller

‘Ground breaking and transformative’ 

“The appointment of Prof Muller is inspirational, ground breaking and transformative […] the representation of females is on the rise and it’s no longer a male dominated field,” stated Marizanne van Dyk, a fifth year MBChB student.

“She has done so much for the HIV population […] that is ground breaking and it is necessary in our time to make sure HIV patients are given the care they are required, because in the past that was not the case,” said Van Dyk.