Cheryl de la Rey

Professor Cheryl Merle de la Rey is the current Vice-Chancellor | Tumu Whakarae of the University of Canterbury in Aotearoa New Zealand. She was formerly the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria in South Africa and had a distinguished career as a South African academic and leader in South African higher education. Since 2019, she has been the vice-chancellor of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.[2]

Cheryl Merle de la Rey
Vice-Chancellor University of Canterbury
Incumbent
Assumed office 2019
Preceded by	Rod Carr
Vice-Chancellor University of Pretoria
In office 2009–2018
Preceded by	Calie Pistorius
Succeeded by	Tawana Kupe
Personal details
Born	Durban, South Africa
Nationality	South African
Spouse(s)	Eldridge Johnson
Alma mater	University of Natal University of Cape Town[1]

Early life and education

Professor Cheryl de la Rey attended the University of Natal, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in 1983, Bachelor of Arts Honours in 1984 and Master of Arts in 1986, all cum laude. She is a qualified Psychologist.

Research and career

Professor De la Rey's research focused on race and gender,[3] especially the construction of gender and gender-based violence.[4]

A registered psychologist [by the Health Professions Council of South Africa], Professor De la Rey is a fellow of the Psychological Association of South Africa, a fellow of the Royal Society of South Africa and of the Academy of Science of South Africa.

Professor De la Rey spent time as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Town before being named Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria in November 2009, replacing Calie Pistorius.

In October 2020, De la Rey was the subject of a letter critical of an attempt by the University of Canterbury to review the work of Anne-Marie Brady concerning Chinese Communist Party influence in New Zealand.[5][6]

Current positions

• Member – Board of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) (2020–present)
• Chair – Science, Engineering and Technology for Women (SET4W) (2007–present)
• Chair – National Research Foundation Rating Panels (2002–present)
• Vice-Chancellor | Tumu Whakarae – University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (2019–present)

Former positions

• Chair – Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (2002–2004)
• Executive Director – National Research Foundation (2000–2002)
• Vice-Chancellor – University of Pretoria, South Africa (2009–2018)
• Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education (CHE)

References

1. http://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/14027 Retrieved 21 January 2016
2. "University of Canterbury appoints new Vice-Chancellor". Retrieved 11 June 2018.
3. Rey, Cheryl De La; McKay, Susan (2006). "Peacebuilding as a Gendered Process". Journal of Social Issues. 62 (1): 141–153. doi:10.1111/j.1540-4560.2006.00443.x. ISSN 1540-4560.
4. Boonzaier, Fioretta; de la Rey, Cheryl (1 September 2004). "Woman Abuse: The Construction of Gender in Women and Men's Narratives of Violence". South African Journal of Psychology. 34 (3): 443–463. doi:10.1177/008124630403400307. hdl:2263/14268. ISSN 0081-2463. S2CID 145211039.
5. "'Dismayed' academics rally behind Anne-Marie Brady over China research paper". Stuff.co.nz. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
6. Mudie, Luisetta, ed. (19 October 2020). "China Scholars Hit Out at New Zealand University Over Probe of Professor". Radio Free Asia. Retrieved 19 October 2020.

External links

• Cheryl de la Rey – Who's Who SA