?This Women's Month, we're celebrating the academic staff at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) who are shaping minds and inspiring excellence through their teaching. These remarkable educators bring passion, innovation and dedication to the classroom, helping students thrive and succeed. Their stories reflect the impact of women at the heart of SU's academic community.
Dr Sophia Brink, a chartered accountant and senior lecturer in the School of Accountancy at SU, was a recipient of a Teaching-Learning-Assessment Award in 2024. Inspired by her father's teaching legacy, she sees education as both a privilege and a calling. Her work is rooted in care, clarity and integrity, helping shape the next generation of responsible chartered accountants (CAs) in South Africa.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I grew up in an academic home, with my father being a physics lecturer at SU. He was an exceptional educator who received several teaching awards during his career, and I vividly remember my mother reading us feedback from his students. Even as a child, I was struck by how deeply he impacted his students' academic journeys – and I admired him immensely for that. From an early age, I imagined myself doing similar work, and I consider it a privilege to now follow in his footsteps. He remains my greatest role model as a teacher.
During my CA training I realised that the auditing profession didn't resonate with me, and I found it difficult to picture a long-term future in that field. Around that time, I became involved in a community outreach initiative where I offered extra accounting classes to Grade 12 learners from under-resourced schools. I found the experience deeply rewarding, and it was then that I realised: This is what I want to do with my life.
Shortly after completing my training and qualifying as a CA (SA), I joined the School of Accountancy at SU as a lecturer – and I've never looked back. Teaching is more than a profession to me; it is a source of joy, purpose, and daily inspiration.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in academia today?
Being a woman in academia today means embracing the responsibility and privilege of shaping young minds – especially for future generations of women who may not yet see themselves represented in academic leadership.
In terms of the Teaching Perspectives Inventory (TPI), I have a differentiated profile, with 'nurturing' being my most dominant perspective. I believe this is a trait shared by many women, and it plays a vital role in my teaching practice –particularly in a field like financial accounting, where students often face high levels of pressure and anxiety.
Many of our B. Accounting students are A-type personalities – hardworking, perfectionistic, and driven – but these same qualities can make the subject matter especially overwhelming, given its volume and complexity. I see my role not only as a subject expert, but as someone who can offer a safe and supportive learning environment. My nurturing approach helps students navigate these challenges, not by lowering expectations, but by meeting them with empathy, encouragement, and clarity.
I also believe in leading by example. I strive to be a role model – not just academically, but personally and professionally. Whether it's in how I dress, how I speak, or the values I model, I want to be the kind of lecturer students remember long after they leave university. In my view, an exceptional educator is someone who makes a real difference in a student's life – helping to prepare them not only for a professional career, but for life in a broader sense.
What is the biggest reward of being a lecturer at SU? And what advice would you give to younger women entering the teaching profession today?
The greatest reward of being a lecturer at SU is knowing that I have the opportunity to positively influence my students – not only in helping them succeed academically, but in serving as a steady and supportive presence during a transformative time in their lives. I see every lecture, every interaction, as a moment to model professionalism, integrity, and resilience – qualities that matter far beyond the classroom.
This is also the advice I would give to younger women entering the teaching profession: Never underestimate the influence you have. Teaching is not only about transferring knowledge; it's about being approachable and showing up as someone students can look up to. Embrace that role with authenticity and purpose. Your presence, your words, your attitude – all of it can have an impact far greater than you might realise.
What inspires me to do my best is the realisation that teaching is a privilege, not just a job. It allows me to connect with students on a human level, to speak into their lives in meaningful ways, and to help shape both their academic and personal growth.
As Brad Henry so beautifully said: 'A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love of learning.' That sentiment captures exactly why I love what I do – and why I show up each day with commitment and gratitude.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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