CPUT is proud to announce the appointment of Prof Marshall Sheldon as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, effective 1 June 2025.
Sheldon is a highly accomplished leader in South African higher education, with more than 25 years of experience spanning teaching, research and leadership. A CPUT alumna, she holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the institution and has maintained strong ties with the university throughout her career.
Her leadership credentials are well established. She previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at CPUT and later as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology at Nelson Mandela University.
Throughout her distinguished career Sheldon has been a transformative force in engineering education, research and innovation. Her commitment to academic excellence is evidenced by her successful supervision of 15 Master's and four Doctoral students, some of whom have become successful professors themselves.
She is a prolific contributor to the academic community, with numerous peer-reviewed and accredited research publications and participation in over 60 national and international conferences. An NRF C2-rated researcher, Sheldon has a proven track record of securing significant funding from prestigious bodies such as the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Water Research Commission (WRC).
Her influence and leadership extend to numerous national and international leadership platforms. She previously served on the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Council, the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) Governance Board, the eNtsa Governance Board, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Deans Forum, the South African Society for Engineering Education (SASEE) board, and currently serves on the Africa Engineering Education Council, and the Executive Committee of the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).
She holds professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and is a member of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE); Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA), African Engineering Education Association (AEEA), and African Engineering Education Forum (AEEF).
CPUT is confident that Sheldon’s visionary leadership, extensive experience and unwavering commitment to excellence will significantly enhance and strengthen our research, innovation, and technological endeavours. We look forward to her contributions in forging impactful partnerships and propelling research and innovation at CPUT to new heights in higher education.
