Postgraduate Studies Empower College of Law and Management Studies Manager

BY: .

Academic Services Manager at the College of Law and Management Studies, Ms Marion Kisten, was awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management at a College Graduation ceremony. 

Kisten joined the former University of Durban-Westville 25 years ago in the Purchases and Stores Department and has gained valuable knowledge of the Higher Education sector over the years through various positions she has occupied. She is currently responsible for the College Academic Services which are spread across three campuses. 

‘I realised I was actually practicing knowledge management while coaching and mentoring staff.  I also started to become very aware of the personality types, traits and strengths of my staff and then realised that I changed my leadership style to suit the various individuals.’ She believes that this has improved relations in her team and every member is committed to the success of the College model. 

This improvement was evident when Kisten’s team was awarded the Outstanding Team Award for excellent performance at the College Awards Ceremony at the end of 2014.  

Her ability to multi-task and her good time management skills enable her to juggle work, studies and family life without any compromise. Kisten feels blessed having been able to complete her studies and dedicate time to preparing for her son’s wedding and also celebrate the birth of her first grandchild in March this year. 

Her motto in life is “never clock watch”. ‘I am at work at around 06h15 and leave when the work for the day is done or the meetings have concluded.  I am a very spiritual person and ask God and my guardian angel every day, to make me say and do the correct thing and do my work to the best of my ability.’   

Kisten’s supportive family is proud of her achievement.  

She encourages colleagues thinking about starting to study not to consider the actual task at hand as a burden or tedious, but to commence the task with a positive and focused mind. 

She is planning to do a Masters degree in 2016.

Hazel Langa