Jonathan D. Jansen

Jonathan David Jansen is the former rector of the University of the Free State. He was appointed as the first coloured rector and vice-chancellor of the university in early 2009. He is a noted and frequent contributor to public discussions in South Africa on the issues of transformation and peaceful reconciliation, particularly in higher education. He attended primary school at Sullivan Primary School, and then went to Steenberg High School. He describes himself as an average student at high school – more interested in soccer, swimming at Muizenberg and cycling with his friends. However his Latin teacher motivated him to excel in his studies and study further. He was awarded the Division B Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Educational Research Association in 2025. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.