Professor David HolgateIt's a guiding principle as he embarks on his tenure as the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
His goal is to lead a faculty that makes a difference within the science discipline and in the lives of students and society at large.
"We aim to be part of a science faculty that impacts our discipline, students, and society," Prof Holgate says.
"For me, the essence of impact lies in quality. My personal definition of impact is that it is quality worked out through relationships. Think about someone who has made a difference in your life; they likely possessed qualities that resonated with you, and the relationship with that person made their impact felt."
Prof Holgate, a B-rated researcher and holder of a UWC Research Chair in Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, stresses the importance of focusing on quality rather than merely chasing numbers.
"You can publish ten papers in mediocre journals or one in a top-tier journal. The question you need to ask is: what will have the most long-term impact?"
At the core of his vision: to ensure that the faculty is a place of quality.
"We are already a faculty of high quality, but the question is, how are we ensuring that this quality is having an impact that extends to everything: our discipline, our interactions with other academics, our students, and society at large? What we are doing here is about changing and inspiring society."
Having studied and worked at renowned institutions, Prof Holgate was drawn to UWC 12 years ago due to its opportunities for change and development.
He previously served as Head of Department and Deputy Dean for Teaching and Learning in UWC's Faculty of Natural Sciences.
"Places of change are more exciting because of the opportunities they present. I'm committed to social justice and nation-building - to making a meaningful contribution to South Africa's future."
He believes that UWC has a unique role to play in academia and society in general because of its history, and that the trajectory that the University is on can inspire many people nationally, especially the historically disadvantaged institutions, as UWC stands out as having transcended its history.
"If we want to be like UCT and Stellenbosch, we lack ambition. We want to carve our path to be at the top of our research. We want to be known as a place that sets trends in certain research directions. We can't do everything, but we need to know that these things are happening at UWC and not elsewhere. Yes, we will learn from the more established universities, but you want to carve your own path based on the circumstances of the University.”
Prof Holgate understands his vision will only succeed if the faculty staff share it.
"You don't manage academics by telling them what to do. You open opportunities for them to chase their passions, and to be seen and appreciated for their impact. If you want to move the University or the faculty to a new place, you need to aim to provide the opportunities, the spaces, the openings, and the connections that will allow our people to develop their love in a meaningful direction,” he says.
“The old adage is that managing academics is like herding cats. You offer leadership by providing the mouse to chase! Most people choose an academic career because they have a passion for their subject and they enjoy the freedom to pursue that. If you make it possible for colleagues to chase their passion, they will flourish.”
A passionate mathematician, Prof Holgate chairs the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and is a founding member of the South African National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (NGA-MaSS).
He has also served on the Council of the South African Mathematical Society (SAMS) and the South African Mathematics Foundation (SAMF) board.
He emphasises the fundamental role of mathematics in scientific advancement and social justice.
"Our education system often leaves students feeling unprepared or lacking confidence in mathematics. Part of that is due to the myth that certain people can't do mathematics or that it's inaccessible. UWC has a significant role to play in breaking down that myth."
Despite his academic commitments, Prof Holgate ensures that mathematics doesn't take away from his main passions — his family, and the natural beauty of the Western Cape, with its fynbos, mountains, and oceans.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity and look forward to making a meaningful contribution. I hope to use this position to invest in the lives of students and staff and to establish UWC as a beacon of quality."
