Dear Staff and Student Colleagues

I am delighted to announce that Ms Denise O’Reilly began her tenure as the Faculty Manager for Health Sciences on 1 June 2024. She succeeds Ms Sandra Munesar, who served in this role from December 2017 to February 2024. I am deeply grateful to Mr Rashaad Latief, who was seconded from the examinations office in an interim capacity as caretaker Faculty Manager from February to May 2024. His efficiency and contribution have been outstanding while we undertook a formal recruitment process.

As the Faculty of Health Sciences’ (FHS) office manager, Ms O’Reilly is responsible for the overall operational management of academic administration, providing guidance to academics, administrators, students and the registrar's office on policy formulation and all aspects of academic administration. The FHS offers a wide range of degrees and diplomas and she will play a key role in ensuring the efficient management of these offerings.

Ms O'Reilly is a seasoned professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Science and an Honours in Interpersonal Organisational Communication, both earned from the University of South Africa.

Ms O'Reilly has a rich tapestry of 22 years’ experience in the higher education sector. She dedicated a decade to the Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine at the University of Natal where she undertook diverse roles, including the administration of postgraduate students and Continuing Professional Development accreditation. She then transitioned to the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2011 and assumed the pivotal position of Principal Administrative Officer in the School of Engineering. Later, she was the Operations Manager in the School of Applied Human Sciences at UKZN.

Over and above administrative duties, she has lent her expertise to an esteemed review panel at the Central University of Technology. Her passion lies in communication dynamics, streamlined processes and the meticulous implementation of policies and procedures. Ms O’Reilly finds fulfilment in meaningful interactions with others and a commitment to lifelong learning. Her values of honesty, integrity and ubuntu serve as guiding principles in both her personal and professional endeavours. She is excited to leverage her expertise within the vibrant community of the FHS where she aims to contribute to fostering an environment of growth and excellence.

Welcome to the Faculty of Health Sciences, Ms O’Reilly. I look forward to working alongside you as you bring your contribution to the smooth running of academic administration in the Faculty.

Kaise ke gangans
Associate Professor Lionel Green-Thompson
Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences