It was previously known as the University of Stellenbosch Business School — something of an aberration, since the parent institution changed its name some years ago to Stellenbosch University. Many of the world’s leading business schools, like Harvard, have a self-contained identity despite being closely linked with a university. Smith says the school’s new logo, which includes the university’s emblem, signifies the relationship.
It has already begun to team up on projects with the engineering and data science departments. “In the past, we have generally worked alone,” says Smith. Smith says: “Had we built in 2019, we would have something today that is not fit for purpose. Post-pandemic, we need fewer offices and more flexible spaces. The new design will be completely different.”
Most programmes, however, are hybrid — a mix of face-to-face and online. While many students welcome direct personal interaction — “You need to be present for the magic, to be in the same space to spark off each other,” says Smith — the pendulum has swung too far towards hybrid to ever go all the way back.This is particularly so for Smith, who spent the first year of his tenure running the school remotely from France, while waiting for an SA visa.