The Industrial University of Santander (UIS) appointed professors Andrés Felipe Castaño González as director of the School of Biology; José Manuel de la Esperanza Franco Serrano, of the School of Education; Giovanny Jiménez Díaz, of the School of Geology; Yennifer Yuliana Ríos Díaz, of the School of Mechanical Engineering; and María Solange Patiño Segura, of the School of Physical Therapy.
Rector Hernán Porras Díaz, who presided over the event, invited the professors to use their new leadership roles to guide and support students throughout their educational journey, which focuses not only on academic matters but also on personal and family life.
For her part, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Olga Mercedes Álvarez Ojeda emphasized that taking on the leadership of a school represents an exercise in leadership and service to the university community. “The schools are the lifeblood of the institution. Deans must lead processes, drive transformation to enhance academic quality, support their faculty, and, above all, support the students, understanding that many require academic, socio-emotional, and socioeconomic support. “Our call is to provide a student-centered education, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels,” she stated.
The new deans arrive with an agenda focused on strengthening academic excellence and addressing the challenges facing higher education. At the School of Geology, Professor Giovanny Jiménez Díaz noted that his main challenges will be to implement the curriculum reform—a process he has led and hopes to launch following ministerial approval—as well as to secure renewal of ABET international accreditation during the visit scheduled for 2027. “We are focused on educating the citizens of 2040, integrating technical knowledge with social and personal dimensions to train professionals capable of solving the challenges of the future,” he said.
These initiatives align with the institutional strategy “Misión Docencia,” which promotes a well-rounded education and strengthens support for students throughout their academic journey.
One of the appointments marks a historic moment for the University. Professor Yennifer Yuliana Ríos Díaz became the first woman to head the School of Mechanical Engineering in its 78-year history—a milestone that reflects the growing participation of women in leadership roles within engineering.
“I feel incredibly proud. It’s been 78 years, and I’m the first woman to hold this position. It’s a great responsibility, but also an opportunity to continue building with the support of my colleagues and to shape the School’s future,” she said.
The new director assured that she will continue to promote comprehensive training strategies that are already being implemented with students, incorporating workshops on teamwork, effective communication, and psycho-pedagogical support, with the aim of strengthening not only academic competencies but also interpersonal skills and emotional well-being.
“Excellence at UIS is no longer just about academics; it’s also about the human aspect. We want students—especially those facing greater challenges—to have the support they need to reach their full potential,” she concluded.
