The Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), in coordination with Colombia’s Ministerio de Educación Nacional (MEN), participated in a technical visit to the municipality of El Tarra, Norte de Santander, to assess the progress of the infrastructure works planned for the future Universidad Nacional Autónoma del Catatumbo. This initiative seeks to strengthen access to higher education in this region of the country.
The visit began with a working meeting involving representatives from the Agencia de Renovación del Territorio (ART), Fondo Paz, the Alcaldía de El Tarra, and the Universidad Industrial de Santander. During the meeting, participants reviewed the project’s background and the actions carried out by the institutions involved.
The technical visit was conducted in response to a request from the National Government, through the Ministerio de Educación Nacional, with the purpose of enabling UIS to carry out a preliminary assessment of the construction progress and to gain first-hand knowledge of the infrastructure conditions. Subject to an agreement between the University and the Municipal Administration, the facilities could eventually be managed by UIS.
During the visit, the delegation inspected the progress of the infrastructure being developed for what is expected to become the Universidad Nacional Autónoma del Catatumbo, a strategic initiative aimed at expanding higher education opportunities in one of Colombia’s priority regions.
Acting Mayor of El Tarra, Leidy Johana Quintero Lemus, highlighted the importance of institutional support and the collaborative efforts between the National Government, the municipal administration, and academia in bringing this high-impact educational project for the Catatumbo region to fruition.
Representing the Universidad Industrial de Santander was Professor Jorge Villamizar, UIS Gestor en Territorios, who led the technical support requested by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional. His participation reaffirmed the University’s commitment to strengthening higher education, promoting regional development, and building partnerships that create greater opportunities for local communities.
The participation of the Universidad Industrial de Santander in this process demonstrates the confidence placed by the Ministerio de Educación Nacional in the University’s technical and academic expertise to contribute to the assessment of strategic educational infrastructure projects. It also reinforces the Institution’s role as a strategic partner of the State in advancing initiatives that promote access to high-quality higher education and contribute to the sustainable development of Colombia’s regions.
