Rhodes University recently recognised Professor Steve Olivier, a prominent figure in higher education and alumnus of the university, with the Distinguished Alumni Award. The award, announced in 2025, will be presented to Olivier this year. It acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields, upholding the university's legacy of leadership and academic excellence. Olivier's achievements in higher education span over four decades and multiple countries.
Olivier began his career at institutions within South Africa, including Rhodes University and the University of Cape Town. He then pursued opportunities at several UK universities, such as Abertay University and the University of the West of Scotland. In 2020, he was appointed as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen, Scotland. This milestone marked 40 years of leadership in higher education across South Africa, England, and Scotland.
As a passionate advocate for the "curiosity imperative," Olivier believes that a university's main purpose is to foster a spirit of inquiry in its students. His career extends beyond university leadership, reflecting his commitment to education. He serves as a member of the elected leadership group of Universities Scotland, representing all Scottish universities as Convenor of the Learning and Teaching Committee.
Olivier has maintained a close relationship with his alma mater despite building his career overseas. He is the founder and senior trustee of the Ally Weakley Memorial Bursary, established in memory of his former Rhodes rugby friend, Alistair "Ally" Weakley. This bursary demonstrates Olivier's ongoing connection to Rhodes University and its community.
The connection between Olivier, Weakley, and Rhodes University also extended to the university's sporting grounds. Olivier was involved in the proposal to rename Rhodes' Great Field in honour of Weakley, a former Rhodes rugby captain and advocate for social justice. The Great Field was officially named the Ally Weakley Great Field as part of the University's 120th-anniversary celebrations in 2024.
Olivier's contributions to Rhodes University continue to be recognised. He recently represented the university in London, where he conferred an Honorary Doctorate on prominent Labour politician and anti-apartheid campaigner Lord Peter Hain on behalf of Rhodes vice-chancellor, Prof Sizwe Mabizela. This event highlights Olivier's ongoing role in representing the university.
The University's 2025 Distinguished Alumni Awards recognised Olivier alongside Professor Michael Davies-Coleman, sports administrator John Andrew Donald, and Isuzu Motors South Africa President and CEO Billy Eric Tom. According to Mabizela, the recipients had demonstrated leadership through their contributions to their professional fields, the university, and their communities.
Key points
- Prof Steve Olivier received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his 40 years of leadership in higher education.
- Olivier has maintained a close relationship with Rhodes University through various initiatives, including the Ally Weakley Memorial Bursary.
- The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognised Olivier's contributions to his professional field, the university, and his community.
