The Managing Director of the IIE Rosebank College, Dr Linda Meyer, is on a mission to ensure that her institution is able to provide a foundation of excellence, both in education and empowerment
The Independent Institute of Education (IIE) Rosebank College stands out in South Africa thanks to its commitment to providing accessible, quality education tailored to diverse student needs.
Offering flexible learning options, including distance and contact learning, the IIE Rosebank College ensures students can study in a manner that suits their circumstances.
The curriculum is industry-relevant, supported by experienced faculty and strong industry connections. In contrast, comprehensive support systems, modern facilities, and a focus on inclusivity further enrich the student experience and enhance employability.
This holistic approach prepares students for successful careers, making the IIE Rosebank College the ideal choice for higher education in South Africa through the faculties of Commerce, Finance and Accounting, Law, Education, Humanities and Social Science, and Information and Communications Technology.
At the helm of the IIE Rosebank College is Managing Director Dr Linda Meyer, a passionate individual who believes that the hard work and dedication of the tertiary institution continue to contribute to its importance within the country’s education sector.
”The IIE Rosebank College continues demonstrating robust growth and resilience as we progress into the final quarter of 2024. Our student enrollment has significantly increased, exceeding 28,000. This reflects our students’ trust and confidence in our institution,” Dr Meyer explains.
”We have expanded our academic offerings and integrated cutting-edge technology to enhance our distance learning capabilities. Our infrastructure developments are on schedule, ensuring state-of-the-art facilities for our students and faculty. We have also made considerable progress in fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment, which is central to our mission.
”Additionally, we are excited to announce the commencement of our Pan-African ambition, with our first campus opening in Ghana in the fourth quarter of 2024. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding educational opportunities across the continent.”
Dr Meyer’s tenure as Managing Director at Rosebank College has been marked by driving strategic initiatives to enhance academic excellence and operational efficiency.
A key area has been digital transformation, fostering partnerships with industry leaders and implementing policies that promote inclusivity and staff and student well-being.
These efforts have elevated the quality of the institution’s academic offerings and strengthened its reputation as a leader in higher education.
Through these initiatives, the institution can better serve staff and students and adapt to the evolving educational landscape.
While the success is there for all to see, it has not been plain sailing, as ”navigating the disruptions brought about by the post-COVID-19 pandemic has been one of our most significant challenges,” Dr Meyer states.
However, this period once again underscored the institution’s adaptability and resilience.
”We successfully transitioned to online learning, ensuring uninterrupted education for our students. Among our notable success stories are achieving record-high graduation rates and launching innovative industry-relevant academic programmes. Additionally, we launched the open-source Rosebank College Academic TV Channel on YouTube, developed free foundational academic programmes for our students, and utilised artificial intelligence and innovative business processes to optimise operational efficiency,” Dr Meyer adds.
Women’s Month with Dr Meyer
Dr Meyer holds a Doctor of Philosophy (SA), Doctor of Business Administration (USA), Master of Business Administration (UK), Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies (UK), BCom (Law), BBA, and several other qualifications.
During her career, she has held positions such as Head of Operations at Universities South Africa (USAf), Head of Justice College (DoJ&CD), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Executive Dean, Dean, Academic Executive, Acting Deputy Director General, Chief Director, CCMA Commissioner, and various other senior executive management and consulting positions.
Dr Meyer’s journey illustrates the power of perseverance, continuous learning, and leadership. By breaking barriers and achieving success in a predominantly male-dominated sector, she aims to inspire other women to pursue their ambitions fearlessly.
”My story reinforces the message that women can excel and lead in any field they choose with dedication and hard work. Throughout my career, I have prioritised mentoring and supporting other women, advocating for gender equality, and fostering an inclusive work environment. By sharing my experiences and lessons, I hope to empower women to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their full potential,” she says.
During her illustrious career to date, Dr Meyer has learned several pivotal lessons.
She believes adaptability is crucial, as ”navigating and thriving amidst change is essential for success”. Fostering a collaborative work environment is also an invaluable facet for her, as it ”encourages teamwork, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose”.
”Continuous personal and professional development is vital for staying relevant and effective in one’s role. Leadership, I’ve discovered, is about empowering others, maintaining unwavering integrity, and being receptive to feedback and new ideas. These lessons have shaped my approach to leadership and contributed significantly to my professional growth and the success of the teams I have led,” Dr Meyer avers.
To celebrate Women’s Month, the IIE Rosebank College has a series of events planned, including leadership workshops, networking sessions, and inspirational talks by successful women from various industries.
These initiatives aim to empower the institution’s female students and staff by providing mentorship opportunities and fostering a supportive community.
Additionally, Dr Meyer and her team are seeking to highlight and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women within the institution and beyond.
”Through these events, we hope to inspire confidence, promote gender equality, and encourage women to pursue their aspirations with determination and resilience,” she reveals.
Sadly, many women in education still encounter challenges such as gender bias, limited access to leadership roles, and the difficulty of balancing professional responsibilities with personal commitments.
To dismantle these barriers, Dr Meyer believes it is crucial to advocate for policies that promote gender equality and create a culture of inclusivity that values and respects the contributions of women.
”Providing mentorship and support networks is essential to empower women and help them navigate their careers successfully. Additionally, we must hold institutional governance structures accountable to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, ensuring that these values are integrated into every aspect of our educational environment. By taking these steps, we can create a more equitable and supportive landscape for women in education,” she insists.
A message of support and what the future holds
When asked about her message to the students, staff, and all IIE Rosebank College this Women’s Month stakeholders, Dr Meyer spoke of the importance of ”empowerment and unity”.
As a result, she encourages all students, staff, and stakeholders to celebrate the achievements of women, support one another, and continue working towards creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.
”Let us use this month to reflect on our progress and commit to furthering gender equality in all aspects of our lives. Together, we can build a future where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute meaningfully to our community,” she says.
Looking to the future of both her Dr Meyer aims to enhance further, role and the role played by the institution, Dr Meyer aims to enhance further the quality and reach of the IIE Rosebank College’s academic programmes, solidifying its position as a leading institution in higher education.
”I aspire to leave a legacy of innovation and inclusivity, ensuring our college remains at the forefront of educational excellence. My commitment is to continue providing exceptional education and opportunities for all our students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need for successful futures.
”I am also dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our staff, promoting professional development, and encouraging collaborative initiatives. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and embracing forward-thinking strategies, I plan to prepare our institution to meet the evolving needs of our students, staff, and the broader community,” she concludes.
We look forward to seeing what comes next on your impressive journey, Dr Meyer.
