Professor Tawana Kupe is the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria since 2019. He holds a DPhil in Media Studies from the University of Oslo, Norway. He received an honorary doctorate from Michigan State University and another from the University of Montpellier. Prof Kupe has recently been appointed as Knight of the French National Legion honour in recognition of his remarkable achievement in promoting scientific and academic cooperation by the President of the French Republic. He is the founder of the African Centres for Study of the US at both UP and Wits University. Prof Kupe is an active member of several civil society organisations and is a board member of a number of tertiary education networks and organisations globally, including the Board of amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism and Chairman of the Board of Media Monitoring Africa. He is also the board member of the Campaign for Free Expression, which focuses on protecting and enabling free expression for all. He has a notable publication record, having authored journal articles, books and book chapters in his main discipline, Media Studies and Journalism. Prof Kupe is also Managing Editor of the African Journal for Communication and Information.