The Industrial University of Santander (UIS) officially appointed 13 professors to permanent faculty positions under the Faculty Formalization Plan, an initiative promoted by the Colombian National Government to strengthen public universities through the hiring of academic staff with long-term employment prospects.
The public recruitment process was regulated by the University Superior Council Agreements No. 022 of April 17, 2026, and No. 033 of 2026. These regulations enabled the selection and appointment of professionals who will join the Faculties of Sciences, Physical-Mechanical Engineering, and Human Sciences.
The newly appointed faculty members are:
- Alexander Reátiga Villamizar – School of Mathematics
- Luis Ángel Pérez Fernández – School of Mathematics
- Edith Johanna Mendoza Higuera – School of Mathematics
- Jorge Eliécer Gómez Ríos – School of Mathematics
- Élber Rodríguez Moreno – School of Physics
- Fredy Fabián Parada Becerra – School of Physics
- Juan José Barrios Arlante – School of Physics
- Andrés Americo Navarro León – School of Physics
- Juan Carlos Morales Dimarco – School of Industrial Design
- José Luis Garcés Bautista – School of Industrial and Business Studies
- Sandra Milena Pinto Bohórquez – School of Chemistry
- Jimmy Humberto Fortuna Vargas – School of Languages
- Luz Helena Prada Ramírez – School of Languages
“Welcome to UIS. You already know this university—you have experienced it and been part of it. Now, more than ever, you truly belong here. Today, the University gains professors with a deep vocation for teaching. We are proud that UIS continues to grow stronger with educators like you, who take on the responsibility of inspiring students, fostering a passion for knowledge, and contributing to the education of ethical citizens and professionals who will lead the future”, said Academic Vice Rector Olga Mercedes Álvarez Ojeda.
About the Faculty Formalization Plan
The Faculty Formalization Plan is governed by Decree 0391 of 2025, a national policy designed to improve employment conditions for adjunct, temporary, and administrative staff at Colombia’s public universities. The initiative seeks to provide greater job stability through public recruitment processes, with a target of achieving 40% implementation by 2026 and 80% by the end of 2027.
At UIS, the recruitment process is led by the Academic Vice Rector’s Office. Through University Superior Council Agreement No. 012 of 2026, the institution approved the implementation plan covering eligibility verification, preparation of the final list of qualified candidates, candidate selection, and official appointment to permanent positions.
With these new appointments, UIS continues to strengthen its permanent faculty while reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, high-quality education, and the comprehensive development of future generations.
