A rising star in SA Higher Education Research named a finalist in 2024 HERS-SA Awards
- Wits University
Fezile Wagner, who leads Wits' Analytics and Institutional Research Unit, is a finalist in the non-profit Higher Education Resource Services-SA (HER-SA) Awards.
HER-SA advocates and promotes the advancement of gender equity for women working in higher education.
Fezile Wagner's recognition as a finalist highlights her outstanding contributions to higher education research, and the significant impact that she and the Analytics and Institutional Research Unit have made within the University and the broader Institutional Research sector in South and southern Africa.
Wagner is a finalist in the Emerging Young Woman Leaders category, which acknowledges young women whose career paths indicate a promising and influential future in the sector.
Motivating for Wagner’s recognition, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Ruksana Osman, wrote, “Fezile is a rising star in South African Higher Education and is also actively building international connections. I do not doubt that she will continue to impact the sector positively.”
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi added: “Ms Wagner exemplifies excellence in every endeavour she undertakes. Her work as Head of Institutional Research consistently surpasses expectations, showcasing a relentless pursuit of the highest standards.”.
Under Wagner’s leadership, the Wits Analytics and Institutional Research Unit has earned a stellar reputation, extending beyond the University itself. The Unit frequently receives requests from other universities in the region for materials, instruments, and collaboration opportunities, further solidifying its standing as a leader in the field.
Wagner credits this accomplishment to the work of her team saying, “My team is incredibly skilled and has collectively gained an excellent reputation for quality and professionalism. Our stakeholders respect and recognise us as subject matter experts and collaborative partners dedicated to advancing the University's mission.”
The 2024 HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Awards ceremony is set to take place in Cape Town on 29 August. This event will celebrate the achievements of women leaders in higher education across South Africa, with Wagner’s recognition serving as a testament to her exemplary leadership and the collective efforts of her team.
Wagner says, "I am grateful to the members of the Wits Senior Executive who nominated me and I see this as a strong testament to the work that we’ve accomplished thus far, and motivation to continue to be leaders in South and Southern Africa Institutional Research."