At the heart of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), a new chapter in academic growth and transformation has begun. With the official launch of the Pathways to Associate Professor (P2AP) programme, UWC is setting a bold course—one that redefines what it means to grow as an academic, to lead with purpose, and to shape the future of higher education. P2AP is not just another career development programme. It’s a professional journey, designed to walk alongside senior lecturers as they navigate the often complex transition toward becoming associate professors. Rooted in UWC’s deep commitment to academic excellence and capacity building, the programme is a powerful reflection of the university’s transformative vision.
More Than a Programme — A Movement
Joining a series of flagship initiatives like the REAL programme, UWC Research Chairs, IMPACT, and PEEP, P2AP zeroes in on the needs of mid-career academics. These are scholars who have contributed meaningfully to their discipline, department, and faculty and are now ready to step into the next phase of their academic leadership journey. P2AP recognises this critical juncture and offers a tailored support structure that equips participants with the tools, insight, and community needed to move forward with confidence.
What P2AP Offers: Tools for Growth
The programme delivers more than workshops and lectures—it offers a transformative toolkit designed to help academics grow both personally and professionally:
- Colour Profile Assessments help participants understand themselves and others better, creating pathways to stronger team dynamics and more effective collaboration.
- 360° Feedback provides honest, multi-perspective reflections from peers, students, and line managers, sparking growth through insight.
- Professional Coaching pairs participants with experienced coaches who help them navigate the increased responsibilities of leadership.
Here are some of the participants and this is what some had to say:
Dr Farzana Fisher (NS) - “ When I joined this program, I saw it as a step in my personal and professional journey—a chance to grow and gain guidance from experienced leaders. I wanted to understand what it really takes to transition into a leadership role. Through the introduction of this program, I’ve learned so much, especially about myself. The personality reports helped me see my strengths and areas to grow. I found I’m analytical, which fits, but I’ve also realized I need to work on being more sociable and collaborative—key traits for leadership. The 360 feedback was incredibly humbling. Hearing such positive reflections from my peers gave me confidence and encouraged me to keep pushing forward. Most of all, this program made me reflect on my core values and what I bring to the table. It’s been an eye-opening and inspiring experience.”
Dr Tracy-Ann Adonis (CHS) - “On my first day, I was struck by how this program revealed aspects of myself I'd never fully recognized. The algorithm-based assessment was uncannily accurate, confronting but enlightening. Being in this reflective space has given me perspective. I've identified my blind spots and realized I need to confront them directly rather than reacting instinctively. My challenge now is balancing thoughtful consideration with more timely responses. Beyond personal insights, I'm excited about the connections I've made. I've met colleagues I previously knew only by name, and we're already discussing potential research collaborations. I look forward to the coaching and mentoring ahead, and I'm truly enthusiastic about where this programme will take me.”
Dr Fazlyn Petersen (EMS) - “Returning to leadership training has been rewarding—seeing my growth since the first program is truly motivating. The color survey shows progress in areas I've been working on, tempering my self-critical tendencies. I've learned that academic promotion isn't just about meeting criteria; it requires networking and visibility. Coming from industry, this subjective aspect has been an adjustment. That's why I'm here—to connect with influential colleagues and gain perspectives from outside my faculty. Despite rearranging my schedule to attend, it's been valuable preparation after last year's "premature" application. I'm focusing on what I can control, improving where needed, and moving forward despite changing criteria and leadership. I'll keep doing my best, taking chances, and trusting the process.”
Dr Bruce May (Education) - "I initially wanted to apply for associate professor, but after meeting with two deputies, they told me I wasn't quite ready yet. So I decided to join P2AP as preparation instead. The first session was excellent - it gave me perspective on expectations and practical self-awareness, especially about "blind spots" The values card exercise, confirmed my priorities. I realised that not selecting a specific value card doesn't mean that value isn't important - some values are embedded in who we are and stem from other primary values we hold.
Dr Teddy Sakupapa (Arts and Humanities) - "I joined the Pathways to Associate Professor programme because I wanted to reflect more deeply on my value proposition as an academic and to identify areas for leadership development. From the very start, I appreciated the thoughtful questions built into the application process—it already signaled the depth of the programme. Once I started, I was more than satisfied. The personality assessments helped me understand myself better—how my character can support my work, and where I can grow. The 360-degree feedback was especially eye-opening. It affirmed my strengths but also pointed to areas where I can improve, which I found both encouraging and constructive. What stood out most was the safe and open environment. We were able to share honestly—our fears, our goals, and our vulnerabilities—without judgment. Today felt like the icing on the cake. I now have greater clarity about my value, and I feel empowered to move forward with renewed energy and vision. This programme has been both challenging and inspiring. I leave it with a deep sense of gratitude, and I truly hope many more colleagues at our university get to experience something like this."
A New Chapter for Academic Leadership
With the support of the office of the DVC: Research & Innovation and the dedicated P2AP team, this initiative reflects UWC’s broader mission of transformation, diversity, and leadership in higher education. As P2AP participants take their next steps, they are not just preparing for promotion they’re shaping the future of academia.
