The university was founded as a dual medium institution, offering courses in both English and Afrikaans, catering for white students. Prior to UPE being established, Rhodes University offered courses in Port Elizabeth. The governing National Party, wanted a new university, as it attempted to limit the influence of Rhodes, which was seen as too liberal.[2] From 1994[3] until 2004 the Chaplain of the university was Diana Nkesiga, a female,[4] Anglican priest who had been ordained in Uganda.[5]