3 November 2025
Press release statement: For urgent distribution
Submitted by: Bheki Hlophe, Media Relations & Publications Officer
Press Statement
For immediate release
MUT Welcomes President of Sacramento State University, USA
The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) proudly announces the visit of Dr Luke Wood, President of Sacramento State University, who will be at MUT’s main campus from 5 to 6 November 2023. This visit, which is part of the University’s ongoing efforts to position it as a global hub of academic excellence, aligns with MUT’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.
During her inauguration a year ago, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MUT, expressed her vision for the University to become a global village that attracts top-tier academic talent. “When I resumed this office, I made a commitment that MUT would be a global village that attracts high-tier university staff to help us shape and own the future of MUT and our people’s future,” Professor Sibiya stated.
Dr Wood, a distinguished scholar and an advocate for equity and access in education, will lead a delegation of two deans, departmental heads, and students. As a first-generation college student and former foster youth, Dr Wood understands the barriers faced by historically underserved students. “It is my fervent wish to spread across the globe the need for leaders to address students not just on academic achievement, but offer holistic student support,” he remarked.
Professor Sibiya expressed enthusiasm about Dr Wood’s visit, stating, “President Wood’s public lecture: ‘From Margin to Mainstream’, speaks to what we have been saying to students: do not let your past define you. His story of resilience and adaptation will be a game changer for our community.”
The public lecture will take place at 11:00 AM at MUT’s Student Centre. Despite ongoing exams, students are encouraged to attend if they have no commitments on the 5th, as this lecture may illuminate new paths for their future. Immediately after the Public Lecture, Dr Wood’s team will address students with a keen interest in furthering their studies at Sac State next year. His team will also visit two schools: Amanzimtoti High School, and Kingsway High School.
Following the lecture, a senior management round-table discussion will be held to explore potential partnerships between MUT and Sacramento State University. This conversation aims to take inspiration from Sac State’s successful Business School as MUT embarks on establishing its own. Additionally, topics will include the upcoming AI summit that MUT will host with the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), leveraging Sac State’s expertise in artificial intelligence.
MUT looks forward to this enriching exchange and is excited about the opportunities it will bring to its staff and students.
For queries, contact Bheki Hlophe on 0824321805, hlophe@mut.ac.za