Person

Emeritus Professor in Gastroenterology | Former Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Stellenbosch University (2015–2025)

Prof Wim de Villiers is a gastroenterologist and internist who served as Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University for ten years, from April 2015 to March 2025. During that time, he oversaw significant advances in the university\'s research profile, transformation agenda, and institutional positioning, including the adoption of SU\'s first Visual Redress Policy and the awarding of more than 90,000 qualifications.

His leadership philosophy is rooted in clinical discipline: diagnose the problem, analyse the evidence, act decisively, and evaluate outcomes. He is known for institutional transparency, team-building, and navigating complexity under pressure.

As Fundraising and Strategic Projects Lead at CERI, Prof de Villiers brings deep networks across academia, health, and the broader research funding landscape to help secure the resources that sustain CERI\'s science and expand its impact across Africa.

He holds an Emeritus Professorship in Gastroenterology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University.