The last decade has marked a profound transformation for the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), which today presents a record defined by advances in academic quality, territorial expansion, and social impact, reaffirming its role as one of the most influential public institutions in the country.
Under the leadership of Rector Hernán Porras Díaz, the university has focused its efforts on strengthening its core functions, expanding educational opportunities, and responding to social challenges through research and institutional commitment.
Academic Quality with National and International Recognition
The most notable recognition was the Institutional Accreditation of High Quality for ten years, awarded in 2022 by the Ministry of National Education, the highest state endorsement of educational excellence.
At the international level, ABET certification supports nine academic programs that now operate under global standards:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Systems and Informatics Engineering
- Geology
This recognition strengthens academic mobility and the international employability of graduates.
Responding in Times of Crisis: Education That Didn’t Stop
One of the most significant chapters of this decade was the university’s response during the pandemic. Amid global uncertainty, UIS implemented a comprehensive support model that included providing computers, financial aid, remote learning strategies, and continuous follow-up for students.
The impact was decisive: thousands of young people were able to continue their studies, preventing dropout and safeguarding their educational trajectories during a critical moment for higher education.
This approach was complemented by an expansion of wellness programs, particularly in mental health, student housing, and socioeconomic support, consolidating an institutional policy centered on the care of life and student retention. The result has been a more supported community, with better conditions to learn and successfully complete their educational programs.
Territorial Expansion
The university’s presence went beyond its campus and extended to different regions of the country, delivering education, research, and social projects to communities in Arauca, Guainía, Guaviare, Vichada, Vaupés, and Cesar, as well as various municipalities in Santander.
In these territories, the university’s work has translated into educational opportunities, strengthening local capacities, and addressing social issues, expanding the reach of public education as a tool for equity.
Research, Teaching, and Planning for the Future
Today, UIS is consolidated as a scientific benchmark with 105 research groups, nearly 350 researchers recognized by MinCiencias, and over 105 patents, reflecting academic production with regional development impact.
At the same time, strengthening the faculty has elevated training standards: of its 563 full-time professors, 68% hold doctoral degrees and 23% hold master’s degrees, a significant advancement reflected in the quality of teaching processes and the consolidation of a culture of academic excellence.
This growth aligns with the Institutional Development Plan 2019-2030 and the Mission 6.0 strategy, which guide institutional modernization and the generation of solutions for a more sustainable region with greater social well-being.
A Decade That Leaves a Mark
With most programs holding current qualified registration and a growing academic community, UIS reaffirms its role as an educational heritage of Colombia.
The balance of these ten years shows an institution that has not only strengthened its quality but also expanded its social impact, demonstrating that public education can be a real engine of transformation and development.
