Dr. Alten du Plessis

Dr. Alten du Plessis serves as the "Well-being & Student Success & Development Strategist" within the Integrated Data Analytics Team within the Division for Institutional Strategy, Research and Analytics at Stellenbosch University. His unique dual role in Student Support and Institutional Research, which he has maintained since 1995, enables him to combine practical student development with rigorous academic research and analysis.

Drawing on his PhD in Applied Mathematics from Stellenbosch University and specialized training in positive psychology, Dr. du Plessis brings a rare combination of analytical rigor and psychological insight to his work. His expertise is enhanced by multiple professional certifications, including Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP) from The Flourishing Center, New York, and certifications as a Flourishing Skills Group Facilitator, Resilience Trainer, Wellness and Sport Psychology Coach, and Brain Health Professional.

His personal mission focuses on developing evidence-based, blended learning solutions that combine technological innovation with psychological science. Dr. du Plessis specializes in creating individualized and gamified mental skills training programs, designed to optimize performance and development across educational, sporting, and organizational contexts.

For over two decades, his work has been instrumental in developing and implementing innovative wellbeing and potential optimization programs across multiple faculties at Stellenbosch University. His approach, which demonstrates that so-called "soft factors" are essential for academic and workplace success, has garnered international recognition, featuring at prestigious conferences including the 2024 European Conference on Positive Psychology and the World Engineering Education Forum.