![](https://vut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Prof-Grobbler-Feature.jpg)
VUT’s Prof Grobler, a beacon for women leaders in higher education
25 JULY 2024 | STORY QHAWEKAZI MEMANI. PHOTO VUT.
![Prof-Grobbler-Main](https://vut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Prof-Grobbler-Main.jpg)
Professor Christa Grobler, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Applied Computer Sciences at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) will be one of the speakers at the\is year’s Higher Education Resource Services South Africa (HERS-SA) Academy to be held on 29 August in Cape Town. Alongside delivering an address, she will also serve as a judge for the 2024 Higher Education Women Leaders Awards in the category of Emerging Young Women Leaders.
Prof. Grobler’s career in academia began in 1997 at the then Vaal Triangle Technikon as a Medical Technologist. Transitioning from industry to education, she aimed for more flexible working hours to spend some time with her children, Marko and Amé. This pivotal career change marked the beginning of her transformative journey in higher education.
Her research journey took flight in 1999 when colleagues from another faculty invited her to join a multidisciplinary nutrition intervention niche area. This decision, driven by the aim to enhance her qualifications and secure career development, proved to be a turning point. Being part of a supportive women-led research team was instrumental in her career advancement.
Reflecting on the highlights and milestones that have shaped her journey, Prof. Grobler shared that she has learned to accept and tolerate criticism, navigate perceived failures and disappointments, and celebrate successes. “Balancing family life, academic responsibilities, research, and personal well-being has been challenging but rewarding,” she said.
Her journey has provided her with opportunities to meet new and stimulating people, establish conducive networks, and travel extensively across South Africa and abroad. Her dedication to mentorship, both as a mentee and mentor, underscores the beneficial effects these roles have had on her personal and career development. Hence her talk at the HERS-SA Academy will focus on the value of mentorship.
Discussing the pressing challenges facing women in academic leadership, she highlights the struggle to balance private and professional responsibilities in a male-dominated environment. Achieving equilibrium is crucial, and she advocates for impartial evaluation criteria when judging the Higher Education Women Leaders Awards, guided by HERS-SA’s clear guidelines.
Prof. Grobler suggests that universities should support female academics by helping them determine personal development plans, establishing peer support groups, and assigning mentors. She envisions inclusive and transformative changes in higher education, promoting gender equality and inclusivity by considering diversity and personal needs, focusing on excellence, and centering approaches on students and staff.
To emerging young women leaders aspiring to make an impact in higher education, Prof. Grobler advises believing in oneself, not overthinking career plans, focusing on growth and development, and embracing every opportunity.
Looking ahead, she says she aspires to continue learning and developing to reach her full potential as a leader. She aims to support her team members in achieving their full potential, embracing opportunities fearlessly, and collectively becoming the best possible team.