Leadership

Jay Pillay
President
Jay currently serves as a Director of Residential Operations at Rhodes University, where she provides strategic leadership in managing and developing the university’s residence system. Her focus is on ensuring excellence in service delivery, operational efficiency, and fostering living-learning environments that support student growth and belonging.
As the current President of the ACUHO-I Southern African Chapter (ACUHO-I SAC), She is deeply committed to strengthening our professional community and advancing the impact of student housing across the region. Her vision is to cultivate a more connected, collaborative, and future-ready network of housing professionals who are equipped to respond to the evolving needs of our institutions and students. She aims to promote innovation, inclusivity, and capacity-building through shared learning, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. She believes that our collective strength lies in our ability to learn from one another, adapt to change, and uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism in the spaces where students live and learn.
“Throughout my career, I have been passionate about empowering teams, enhancing systems, and driving sustainable improvements in the higher education housing environment. My leadership is grounded in a people-centered approach and a deep belief that student housing is not just about accommodation; it’s about shaping transformative experiences that support academic and personal success.”

