Around noon on Thursday, a new meeting of the Council of Former Rectors of the Industrial University of Santander (UIS) was held, during which a detailed overview of the institution’s current status, its regional projections, and its financial stability was presented.
During the meeting, Rector Hernán Porras Díaz outlined the main advances in infrastructure, academic offerings, and financial sustainability, aspects that were well received by the former administrators.
Jorge Gómez Duarte, representative of the former rectors to the Higher Council, highlighted the report presented and the positive atmosphere that characterized the session. “Well, we spoke with the rector. First, Dr. Porras gave a presentation on how the university is doing, developments in infrastructure, our financial standing, and the programs planned for various regions of the country, especially in the northeast. We are very pleased with how the university is progressing, growing, maintaining sound financial health, and offering opportunities for development. I believe this is a very important report he has given us, and we, as university presidents, are expressing our full support for the initiatives he is leading.”
The analysis also addressed the national context regarding higher education, particularly in light of government decisions aimed at expanding access with a social focus.
For his part, former rector Álvaro Beltrán Pinzón highlighted the growth in student enrollment and the UIS’s expansion across the region. “Well, today we had the opportunity to receive a detailed report from the rector on the achievements during the final stretch of his term. He informed us that the university increased its enrollment by 20–25%, meeting the goals set by the national government.”
He also highlighted the regionalization projects aimed at strengthening the university’s institutional presence in eastern Colombia. “Similarly, we received a report on the university’s expansion efforts to establish a presence throughout eastern Colombia. In this vein, the plan is to establish a branch in Arauca, based in Saravena, and another branch to be established later in Puerto Carreño.”
The overall assessment of the meeting provided reassurance regarding the university’s situation. “It is truly gratifying and a pleasure to receive such a positive report. The university is in excellent health both financially and academically, having met all deadlines precisely and rigorously. So, we are very satisfied with the report,” stated Beltrán Pinzón.
Finally, the former president highlighted the impact of the current administration over the past decade. “It is with great satisfaction—and we are truly delighted—that the University has found, during the 10 years of President Porras’s tenure, a significant boost in every aspect of its work. His mission-driven approach, his commitment to society, his academic responsibility, and the university’s scientific influence are truly a source of pride for everyone.”
The Council of Former Rectors reiterated its support for the current leadership of the UIS and commended the progress made in outreach, academic quality, and regional influence.
