President of Convocation
The President of Convocation leads the executive team of Convocation and is a member of Council (the governing body of the University). The President works in collaboration with the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, the Alumni Relations Office and the Development and Fundraising Office.
Stacey-Lee Bolon
Stacey-Lee Bolon (37) is President of the Convocation, the statutory body that represents graduates and academic staff in the affairs of the University of the Witwatersrand. Her four-year term of office began on 1 August 2019.
Stacey previously served two terms as an elected member of the Executive Committee of Convocation.
She is an Industrial Psychologist and has earned several degrees from Wits: BA in Human Movement Science (2007), BA Hons in General Psychology (2008), BA Hons in Industrial Psychology (2009), and MA in Industrial Psychology (2010).
She has a vast experience within Financial Services at FNB within Strategic Analytics, Innovation, Billing and Pricing; as well as Blockchain/Cryptoassets. In addition to this Stacey has experience within the startup sector as an Angel Investor to Jobox, Executive Director of an Early Childhood Education (ECD) technology start-up called Early is Best; and as former Director of Venture Network, a registered non-profit company which connects entrepreneurs and investors. Stacey continues to expand her passion and drive for impact as a Non-Executive Director of the Royal Bafokeng Institute, from January 2023.
In her role as President of Convocation, Stacey lead’s the Executive team of Convocation and is a member of Council (the governing body of the University). She works in collaboration with the Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Zeblon Vilakazi, the Alumni Relations Office and the Development and Fundraising Office.
Upon assuming the role of President of Convocation, Stacey introduced a key focus on a ‘Partnership and Collaboration’ imperative which requires the Exco to identify opportunities that assist in aiding Wits to achieve our strategic objectives - and thrive - by leveraging the network and ecosystem available to us, through our illustrious Convocation Exco members.
I believe that the state of an education system is a reflection of a country’s ability to succeed. South Africa needs to become the generator of more disruptive thought-leadership and innovation; and I believe this will be done through a shift in mindset by those who set the academic agenda. Wits University has a responsibility to maintain its esteemed reputation through equipping students to produce ground-breaking work and make a positive impact, during their studies and beyond.
The University has an exceptional leadership and management team who are committed to the evolution of our education system. We are on the brink of something great!”