The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to announce the appointment of Prof Anita Padmanabhanunni as the new Dean of the Faculty of Community Health Sciences. Prof Padmanabhanunni, a distinguished psychologist, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to mental healthcare and community engagement to her new role.
Prof Padmanabhanunni’s academic journey is marked by excellence and dedication. She holds a PhD and a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology from Rhodes University. Her professional credentials complement her academic achievements as a registered counselling psychologist. Before her new appointment, she served as the head of the Department of Psychology at UWC, instrumental in advancing the department’s academic and research initiatives.
Recognised for her significant contributions to mental healthcare, Prof Padmanabhanunni has focused her research on psychological resilience and mental health interventions. Her work has had a profound impact on the field, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms of psychological resilience and the development of effective mental health strategies. Her dedication to improving mental health services has earned her a C2 rating from the South African National Research Foundation, a testament to her research excellence and influence.
Prof Padmanabhanunni has a remarkable track record of securing substantial research funding, which has been pivotal in advancing her research and the broader mental healthcare field. Notably, she has received funding from prestigious organisations such as the Wellcome Trust. This funding has enabled her to undertake groundbreaking research projects addressing critical mental health and psychological resilience issues.
As the new Dean of Community Health Sciences, Prof Padmanabhanunni is poised to lead the faculty towards new heights of academic excellence and social responsibility. Her vision includes fostering an environment that encourages innovative research, high-quality education, and meaningful community engagement. She aims to build on the faculty’s strengths and address the evolving challenges in the field of community health.
Prof Padmanabhanunni’s leadership is expected to inspire faculty and students to strive for excellence and positively impact society. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the University of the Western Cape, reflecting its commitment to advancing mental healthcare and community well-being.
She is committed to creating a compassionate university grounded in an ethos of care. “Compassion is often viewed as a soft or sentimental concept. However, in a society where genuine care and empathy are often lacking, compassion becomes a powerful and essential force for meaningful connection and positive change,” she explains. Her goal is cultivating an environment where compassion is a guiding principle, ensuring everyone feels valued, supported, and heard.
Prof Padmanabhanunni envisions positioning the faculty at the forefront of innovative health sciences research. She aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and secure international grant funding. “I am committed to creating opportunities that empower our academic staff to excel in their fields,” she says. This includes enhancing support for early-career researchers and developing comprehensive mentorship programmes.
Her leadership style is rooted in servant leadership, prioritising the well-being and empowerment of those she serves. “True leadership involves nurturing and supporting those that you serve, enabling them to achieve their full potential, and working together toward a shared vision”.
