Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Award – TEACHER EXCELLENCE
Faculty of Law – Department of Private Law
Usually, nominations for the VC’s award in teaching excellence come from a single authoritative source. When they come from three different sources, ranging from the Executive Dean, a former tutor, and a group of 13 students, we are immediately alerted to someone who has made a significant impact on the lives of a wide range of people and who has been identified as epitomising the teaching excellence which results in the most prestigious teaching award at UJ. Such is the case of Prof Michele van Eck, the HOD of Private Law. As an admitted attorney with ten years of experience in practice, specialising in Contract Law, she brings with her indispensable insights about workplace requirements. At UJ, she is admired for her numerous contributions, always offered with her characteristic creative energy. Most notable is her unwavering commitment to developing technological tools that support student learning, with the Executive Dean describing her as a “pivotal driving force behind innovative technology teaching and learning initiatives”. This is clearly illustrated through her leading role in the development of “The Faculty of Law, Online Academic Tutor” and her initiation of the groundbreaking project in the Law of Contract, “LawBot”.
Prof van Eck’s focus on acquiring knowledge and problem-based application, combined with her passion and respect for students, is frequently acknowledged by her learners. She is often described as “amazing”, a “dedicated and enthusiastic teacher”, who “made online learning a breeze”, and who has the ability “to explain everything so clearly”. As a supervisor, she is recognised for her “bubbly” personality and her supervision practice, which is “impeccable, effective, and academically stimulating”.
Prof van Eck, you are one of our most innovative and passionate teachers, making an amazing contribution to your student’s educational experiences, one of whom speaks for us all when she says, “UJ has such a valuable asset in her”. We hope that we will be able to continue to celebrate your contributions for many years to come – congratulations on this award, and good luck with all your future endeavours.
