Cheryl de la Rey

In her inaugural address at the University of Pretoria in 2010, Professor de la Rey emphasized the University’s role in civic engagement and social responsibility, stating, “a strong, resilient and peaceful democracy depends on a shared sense of civic responsibility, social interconnectedness and social justice.  It is our firm intention to embrace a social, developmental perspective to our human capital development role so that we produce graduates who are valued not only for their academic and technical skills but also for their role in bringing about a more harmonious and equitable society.”  Prof. de lay Rey is registered as Psychologist by the Health Professions Council of South Africa and a fellow of the Psychological Society of South Africa. She has played a key role in several education policy- and research-related committees, including the National Advisory Council on Innovation, the National Human Resource Development Council, the Council of the Botswana University of Science and Technology.    She is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa and a fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa.  She is also a member of the International Council of Science’s Strategy and Planning Committee.  Professor de la Rey previously served as CEO of the South African Council on Higher Education and as Professor of Psychology and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Cape Town.  She has published books and several articles in psychology.  Her research focuses on gender issues, leadership and higher education policy.