he expansion of the Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) into the regions was one of the main topics discussed during the Superior Council meeting held on October 17, where the institution reaffirmed its commitment to social transformation and creating opportunities for young Colombians.
Thanks to the #UISenTerritorios strategy, UIS continues to bring quality higher education to areas where access to university was once unthinkable—such as Arauca, Guainía, Guaviare, Vichada, Cesar, and Magdalena—impacting the lives of more than 5,000 young people who are now making their dream of studying at a prestigious public institution known for its academic excellence, UIS, come true.
“With the support of the National Government, UIS continues to expand into various regions of the country. Today, we have 5,000 students in these territories where UIS has established a presence this year,” highlighted Nicolás Corso Salamanca, the President of the Republic’s representative on the UIS Superior Council.
“Reaching regions that have historically been excluded means opening new opportunities in research and development. In Puerto Carreño, for example, we are working on a Renewable Energy Research Center, which will allow us to train local talent from technical to professional education,” he added.
From an academic perspective, this expansion is a decisive step toward inclusion and regional development. Jorge Gómez Duarte, representative of former rectors, emphasized that “this project is very important for UIS and for the entire country. Regions such as Arauca, Vaupés, and Puerto Carreño are rich in resources but have long lacked educational opportunities. With this strategy, UIS is making an innovative leap by creating new branches outside the department, always upholding the academic quality and leadership of its main campus in Bucaramanga.”
For students, this project represents the possibility of changing their future and that of their communities. Nicolás David Serrano, student representative on the Superior Council, stated that “this represents a structural change within the regions. UIS is transforming the opportunities of thousands of young people who have always dreamed of attending a public university. We encourage them to make the most of this great experience, as it will transform them both as professionals and as individuals.”
With institutional presence in 66% of the national territory, UIS consolidates its role as a driving force for development, hope, and transformation. The “Higher Education to Your School” strategy, in partnership with the National Government, connects secondary and higher education in rural and remote areas—planting the seeds of the future in communities that now see UIS not only as a university, but as a real opportunity for progress.
