Prof Skelton joins the Distinguished Old Rhodians

Prof Skelton and Rhodes University Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr Sizer Mabizela

Prof Paul Skelton was one of five distinguished Old Rhodians who received awards from the University on Saturday 25^th August. “The ceremony on Saturday was a warm and pleasant occasion and a chance to catch up with some old friends and colleagues.  It was also a chance to reflect on Rhodes and the people and events that make it special for me,”- Professor Paul Skelton said after the ceremony.

Prof Skelton arrived at Rhodes University in 1967 for his Bachelors of Sciences (BSc) and subsequently continued to do his Honours, and Doctoral degree.   

“My interest in Ichthyology is rooted in two individuals - Professor Brian Allanson and Dr Rex Jubb. Prof Allanson was the first of my lecturers when I arrived at Rhodes (he delivered the 'cell biology 101' course in those days). What I remember above everything else was the lexicon of biology, something I had never before experienced and it left me feeling rather 'naked and cold' (i.e. uncomfortable in the extreme). This was exacerbated by the fact that my hearing was so bad I did not actually have a clue what all those big words were, never mind how they were spelt! It was catchup all the way from there,” he says.

Prof Skelton shares memories of some of his experiences with Prof Allanson. “I recall a mix of experiences like going to Lake Sibaya on more than one occasion - and having some typical student mishaps en route (like leaving researchers stranded in the lake when piloting the boat (Sibaya) that was towing them on diving surveys of the inshore habitats!). He continues, “I always felt the wind of support from Prof Allanson at my back - and for this I am deeply grateful and appreciative. I do believe that his own strong sense of values including courage (to face tough issues and situations), vision to know where one is going and what it will take to get there, and belief in doing what is right for the right reasons is what Institutional leadership is all about.”

Dr Rex Jubb, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Rhodes in 1970, was the one who introduced Prof Skelton to systematic Ichthyology. “Although Rex Jubb was the one who mentored me, there were other individuals who also had a considerable impact in my life - my lecturers and supervisors, Drs Tom Fraser and Rick Winterbottom and Professor Mike Bruton who was a great thinker and an inspiration for what can be done”, he says.

Prof Skelton took over from Prof Mike Bruton as Director of the Institute when it was still the JLB Institute of Ichthyology in 1994 and continued as Managing Director in 1999 when it became a National Research Facility under the National Research Foundation (NRF) as the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB). He retired in 2011. “I spent my whole professional life at this institute, from when it was the JLB institute of Ichthyology to it becoming a National Facility. Being part of the process of growth and organising from the very beginning,” he says.   Prof Skelton is also one of the founding members of the FFSG and is currently the regional Vice-Chair for Southern Africa. Prof Skelton also worked very closely with the IUCN SSC over the last 5-6 years to lead the freshwater biodiversity assessment of Southern Africa (link to the report: http://data.iucn.org/dbtw-wpd/edocs/2009-003.pdf).

The Distinguished Old Rhodian Award irecognises Old Rhodians who, through their individual actions and achievements, have enhanced the reputation of the University.

Professor Alan Whitfield together with Penny Haworth from SAIAB nominated Prof Skelton for the award. According to Prof Whitfield, Prof Skelton has guided and grown the Institute through its transition from a Declared Cultural Institution under the Department of National Education into a National Facility in the Department of Science & Technology - “Indeed, I think it is safe to say that without Paul’s dynamic leadership during the turbulent transition period for National Museums between 1994 and 1999, it is a distinct possibility that the Institute would not exist today and that Rhodes University would be considerably poorer as a result. The Award is also intended to acknowledge Old Rhodians as role models and in Prof Paul Skelton’s case he has been an exemplary role model to staff and students at both SAIAB and Rhodes, and is also a highly respected member of the wider Grahamstown community.” Dr William Darwell who was one of the motivators for the award said he considers Prof Skelton to be one of the most dedicated and effective campaigners for conservation of freshwater fishes. In congratulating one of his former students, Prof Brian Allanson sent his warmest wishes to Prof Skelton and congratulated him on the Distinguished Rhodian award. “Greatly deserved and really a singular honour for the University as well,” he said.

 What does the award mean to Prof Skelton? “I think the award recognises those who have done something worthwhile with the education they’ve received because education goes far beyond what you learn in the lecture room, it’s the whole experience. The university’s motto is “Where Leaders Learn”- which is very inspiring because you are putting emphasis on leadership development which is something I’ve sought to do in my years as the MD of SAIAB,” he says.  “Leadership development is something I’ve always held close to my heart- you can make a difference.

 Where to from here? He says - “You reach points in your life where you make major changes; retirement from employment has been one of those changes for me. For me this has been an interesting change because it’s an end of your formal employment and this choice of what to do with your own time is not always easy to decide.”

“You ask yourself, how can I contribute constructively in a manner that gives me fulfilment? That requires much hard work. The challenge is to become constructive and worthwhile. I find fulfilment through giving back to young people and to the university without any expectation of having to do so. In order to be meaningful, you make conscious decisions. Nothing worthwhile is achieved through giving up- sometimes you’ve got to just knuckle down and do it.” Prof Skelton still lectures and supervisors students at SAIAB and at the University. 

One of the things I’ve always wanted to achieve was to make SAIAB a place people enjoyed working at. In effect, to make SAIAB an extended family and, since retiring I haven’t left the family. SAIAB has been very welcoming and I have enjoyed interacting with staff not as the boss but as a part of the family,” he says with a smile.