Marianne Louw
Executive Dean
Marianne Louw
Executive Dean
Dr Marianne Louw serves as the Executive Dean at Cornerstone Institute, overseeing various responsibilities, including teaching and learning, scholarship, faculty operations, and academic quality assurance. With a career spanning 18 years in higher education institutions, she brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role.
As the editor of the African Journal of Non-Profit Higher Education (AJNPHE), Dr. Louw actively contributes to advancing scholarly research and publication within the institute. Additionally, she serves as the chairperson of the Senate and various subcommittees, playing a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of the organization.
Dr. Louw’s academic journey began with the University of the Free State (UFS), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication and later a BA Honours in Communication. Prior to entering academia, she worked as a journalist for a prominent daily newspaper in Johannesburg. Her passion for writing and Communication led her to become the copy editor and eventually the editor of a national lifestyle magazine for women.
Joining the Communication Department of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Dr. Louw embarked on her academic career. During this time, she co-authored a groundbreaking South African textbook on interpersonal Communication, titled “Let’s Talk about interpersonal communication,” which has undergone multiple successful editions.
Dr. Louw established her own business in the late 1990s, providing training and coaching services to corporate clients. While managing her business, she pursued her academic growth, obtaining a Master of Philosophy in Human Resource Management (Personal, Interpersonal, and Professional Leadership) cum laude from UJ. She further enhanced her coaching skills by completing a Certificate in Life and Business Coaching from The VIP Institute, accredited by the University of the Northwest.
Returning to academia, Dr. Louw joined Monash South Africa, a campus affiliated with Monash University, where she initially served as the section head of Communication and Media Studies. Her dedication and expertise led to her appointment as the Bachelor of Social Sciences programme manager. During this period, she completed her Doctor of Literature and Philosophy in Communication, focusing her research on a theoretical framework for constructive interpersonal leadership relations in knowledge-based organizations.
Dr. Louw’s leadership capabilities were recognized during a transitional period at Monash South Africa when she assumed the role of acting executive dean of the School of Social and Health Sciences. Her commitment to maintaining stability and ensuring the continuity of academic operations played a vital role in the institution’s success.
In early 2021, Dr. Louw joined Cornerstone Institute as the Deputy Dean of Faculty Operations and Quality Assurance. In this role, she has significantly contributed to internal operations and developing robust quality assurance systems and procedures. Her dedication and expertise have further enhanced the institute’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.
With her extensive academic and professional background, Dr. Marianne Louw brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current role as the acting Executive Dean at Cornerstone Institute.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:mariannel@cornerstone.ac.za
Beverley Dankers
Director of Student Services
Beverley Dankers
Director of Student Services
Beverley has experienced diverse cultures and significantly contributed to the United States and Swaziland. With a passion for education and community development, she has actively engaged with tertiary institutions for the past decade, bringing her expertise and commitment to various roles. Beverley's educational journey began in 2009 at Cornerstone Institute, where she laid the foundation for her future endeavors. In 2010, she graduated with a BTh in Community Development, equipping her with the necessary skills to positively impact society. Her thirst for knowledge led her to pursue a BSocSc Honours degree in Development Studies at the prestigious University of Cape Town, which she completed in 2012. She sought further growth and expertise and obtained an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University in 2016. While at the African Christian College (NPO) in Swaziland, Beverley taught women, youth, and children as an educator. She imparted knowledge and managed the college cafeteria, ensuring a conducive learning environment for all. Her commitment to serving people extended to The Luke Commission (NPO), where she held the administrator position. In this role, she managed the office and provided leadership to the staff, contributing to the organization's overall success. Before joining the Student Services Department at Cornerstone Institute, Beverley gained valuable experience at UWC in the alum relations office. Her role involved fostering relationships with alums, highlighting their achievements, and strengthening connections within the university community. Family holds a special place in Beverley's life. She is a proud mother to a civil engineer son who resides in Secunda, South Africa. Her daughter and son-in-law are graphic designers showcasing their creative talents. However, it is her granddaughters who bring her immense joy and pride.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:beverleyd@cornerstone.ac.za
Susan Gredley
Deputy Dean of School of Education
Susan Gredley
Deputy Dean of School of Education
Dr. Susan Gredley is the primary lecturer and departmental lead for Cornerstone’s BA Alternative Education program. She holds a Master’s in Adult Education from the University of Cape Town and a Ph.D. from the University of the Western Cape. Her doctoral research explored socially just pedagogies in higher education through the lens of participatory parity. Before joining Cornerstone in 2022, Susan worked at UCT and UWC in a range of convening, lecturing, and research roles, including, at UCT, in the Writing Centre, Disabilities Studies Unit, English Department, Language Development Group, Global Citizenship Programme, and Cases of Open Learning project and, at UWC, in the Women’s and Gender Studies department, convening and lecturing on two undergraduate gender studies courses. Her published research spans students’ teaching and learning experiences in higher education, open learning to promote access to higher education, and socially just teaching and assessment practices. Susan’s teaching and research continue to reinforce her interest in exploring socially just ways of teaching, learning, and engaging with students who are, in turn, motivated to contribute to social transformation in South Africa today. When not involved in academic pursuits, she loves running, reading, exploring local spaces, hanging out with her dogs, and quality time with family and friends.
- Phone:021 448 0050
- Email:susang@cornerstone.ac.za