Emeritus professor Ermien van Pletzen was director of Academic Development in the Centre for Higher Education Development at the University of Cape Town. She holds a doctorate in Literature and a Masters degree in Public Health. Her research and teaching interests are in academic literacies in the Health Sciences, evidence-based education development, public health and disability studies (with a focus on Community-based Health and Rehabilitation). She is one of five Siyaphumelela Network coaches who assist institutions of Higher Education with designing and implementing evidence-based student success initiatives. She is currently coaching Rhodes University and the Central University of Technology.