Professor Nosisi Feza embodies the essence of servant leadership, grounded in ethics, integrity, and the philosophy of Ubuntu— “I am because we are.” As Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Internationalization, she fosters a transformative research environment that addresses societal challenges and anticipates future needs. With a strong academic foundation inspired by her parents, Feza has made significant contributions to early childhood education, particularly in mathematics. Her leadership is distinguished by a commitment to sustainable development, collective growth, and intellectual innovation. Feza’s humility and vision create a collaborative culture that drives impactful research and fosters academic excellence.
Feza’s contributions to academia have been transformative, both in research leadership and in the broader educational landscape. Her commitment to creating a thriving research environment for both academics and students is grounded in the principles of ethics, integrity, and Ubuntu—”I am because we are.” These values are reflected in her innovative approaches to leadership, where she emphasizes problem-solving, curiosity, and justice. Through her strategic vision, Feza has consistently aligned institutional goals with global and national development priorities, fostering research that addresses societal challenges while paving the way for future progress.
Her leadership has led to impressive achievements, particularly in empowering young researchers and fostering a research ethos that encourages innovation and excellence. She is passionate about the role of higher education in transforming lives and believes in the power of research to create critical knowledge that improves societal conditions. Feza’s journey, from her humble beginnings to her current role, serves as a beacon of resilience and purpose, showing how ethical leadership can catalyze lasting change in academia. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scholars, especially female researchers, and her ongoing commitment to empowering young minds will ensure that the impact of her work extends well beyond her tenure.
Celebrated by CIOLook as Educational Excellence: 2025’s Top Women in Education, Prof. Nosisi’s leadership exemplifies the profound impact that ethical, servant leadership can have on higher education.
