Professor Brian O’Connell

Brian (Retired VC and Rector, UWC) completed a BA degree and a University Education Diploma from UNISA and UWC. He then obtained a BA (Hons) in History from UNISA (with distinction), an MA and MEd Degrees from Columbia University in New York. In 1985, he was appointed to the position of senior lecturer at UWC. He held that position until 1988 when he was appointed Rector of the Athlone College of Education, in Paarl. In 1991, he was appointed Director of the School of Education at Peninsula Technikon and also became Director of the Institution’s Academic Development Programme. In 1994, he became acting Vice-Rector, with responsibility for Student Affairs. Before being appointed Rector of UWC, Brian O’Connell was Head of the Western Cape Education Department, from 1995 to October 2001. He currently chairs the Community Chest, an affiliate of the United Way International, and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.