Students and colleagues have paid tribute to Crosley, whose approach to leadership centred on service, integrity and people.
Johannesburg, South Africa (16 September 2026) – After three decades of work, Carol Crosley has officially stepped away from her role as Registrar, but the response to her departure has made it clear that the people she worked with will remember her for much more than a job title.
Crosley retired on 31 August 2026 after 30 years at Wits. In the days around her departure, a video of students thanking her and sharing their appreciation for her work gained attention, offering a glimpse into the personal impact she had made over the years.
For Crosley, that human connection is what matters most.
“As I reflect on my journey at Wits, what stays with me is not the meetings I’ve attended, nor the policies written, nor the problems that have been solved. It is the people, the colleagues who became friends, the students whose lives intersected with mine, the laughter, the difficult days, the challenges that we somehow found our way through, and the memories that will stay with me long after I leave.”
Those who worked closely with her describe a leader who expected high standards but was also prepared to put in the work herself.
“For me, it has always been that I need to set the example. I can’t expect you to do something if I’ve never tried to do it myself or never tried to understand how to do it.”
That approach could be seen in the practical moments too. From stepping in when registration queues became overwhelming to working through holidays to ensure students received their offers on time.
After years of working with complex systems and processes, Crosley’s advice to the person taking over from her is strikingly simple.
“Start with the people, and then the other stuff will come.”
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