List of principals of the University of Zimbabwe

This is a list of principals of the University of Zimbabwe. The head of the university holds the title of Vice Chancellor (the Chancellor is the President of Zimbabwe ex officio).

The first chief executive of the university was William Rollo, who served as interim principal from 1953 to 1955.[1] The first substantive Principal was Sir Walter Adams who served from 1955 to 1966 and was later Director of the London School of Economics. Sir Walter was succeeded by Terence Miller, who lasted a mere two years as his political views brought him into conflict with the government.[2] His successor, Robert Craig, later Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, served from 1969 to 1980.[3] Leonard J. Lewis served as Principal for the transition to Zimbabwe's independence, despite his somewhat controversial views on African education and politics.[4] He was succeeded in 1981 by Walter Kamba, who became Vice–Chancellor, a new title replacing that of Principal.[5] Like Miller, Kamba came into conflict with the government and he resigned in a controversial speech at the 1992 graduation ceremony, citing government interference and threats to academic freedom.[6] He was succeeded by Gordon Chavunduka (1992–1996), who was followed by Graham Hill (1997–2002). Levi Nyagura served as Vice Chancellor beginning in 2003 until his resignation in April 2018 amidst allegations of abuse of office.[7] He was succeeded by incumbent Vice Chancellor Paul Mapfumo on 17 August 2018.[7]

List of principals

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Image Name Title Term
William Rollo Principal (interim) November 1953 – December 1955
 
Walter Adams Principal December 1955 – 1967
Terence Miller Principal 1967–1969
Robert Craig Principal 1970–1980
Leonard Lewis Principal 1980–1981
Walter Kamba Vice-Chancellor 1981–1992
Gordon Chavunduka Vice-Chancellor 1992–1996
Graham Hill Vice-Chancellor 1997–2002
 
Levi Nyagura Vice-Chancellor January 2003 – April 2018
Paul Mapfumo Vice-Chancellor 17 August 2018 – 10 June 2019 (acting)
10 June 2019 – present

References

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  1. ^ University of Zimbabwe. "Historical Note". University of Zimbabwe. Retrieved 4 January 2009.[dead link]
  2. ^ Gale, W.D. (1970). "Rhodesia: History". Retrieved 7 January 2009.
  3. ^ "The Very Rev Professor Robert Craig". The Independent (UK). 8 February 1995. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012. Retrieved 7 January 2009.
  4. ^ Challiss, R.J. "Phelps–Stokesism and education in Zimbabwe" (PDF). Zambezia. 11. Harare: University of Zimbabwe: 109–125. ISSN 0379-0622.
  5. ^ "University of Zimbabwe Act (Chapter 25:16)" (PDF). Parliament of Zimbabwe. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 March 2009. Retrieved 3 January 2009.
  6. ^ "Campus shuts to students over polls". Times Higher Education Supplement (UK). 8 March 2002. Retrieved 4 January 2009.
  7. ^ a b "Mapfumo appointed UZ Vice Chancellor". The Herald. 2019-06-12. Retrieved 2020-01-13.