With a clear message about the transformative power of public education and the need to think from and for the territories, the rector of the Universidad Industrial de Santander, Hernán Porras Díaz, officially launched his fourth and final term as rector (2025–2028) from the Bicentennial Campus at the UIS Socorro branch.
“It is an honor for this new cycle to begin at a regional campus, a symbol of UIS’s commitment to equitable access to knowledge and the development of our territories,” expressed the visibly moved rector, who has dedicated over four decades to the institution. “UIS is my home, my school of life, and my lifelong commitment.”
During his speech, the rector thanked the university community for their support and emphasized that this achievement is not personal but a collective mandate to continue strengthening a public university that is excellent, inclusive, innovative, and human-centered.
Reflecting on recent years, he highlighted UIS’s profound transformation: new academic programs, national and international recognition, and a 10-year Institutional Accreditation. “This is the reflection of a collective commitment to quality education and a firm dedication to the development of Santander and Colombia,” he stated.
One of the key announcements of the event was the unveiling of the UIS 2050 Foresight Plan, a participatory roadmap that will align the institution with the global challenges of higher education. But the rector went further: he proposed to the governor of Santander to jointly build the Territorial Foresight Plan Santander 2025–2050, as a strategy to diversify and enhance the department’s productive structure and ensure a more balanced and just regional development.
“I invite the governor to make this one of his strategic projects. Together, we can leave behind a transformative roadmap for the future generations of Santander,” he said.
As part of his Rectoral Management Plan, Professor Porras announced the creation of the Vice-rectorate for Well-being, a division that will coordinate institutional policies on mental health, gender equity, culture, inclusion, inclusive education, and occupational health. Additionally, the UIS Institute for Social and Territorial Engagement will be promoted—a unit that will integrate teaching, research, and outreach to address regional challenges.
During the event, the rector also introduced the team that will accompany him in this new term:
- Sofía Pinzón Durán, General Secretary
- Olga Mercedes Álvarez Ojeda, Academic Vice-Rector
- Gerardo Latorre Bayona, Administrative Vice-Rector
- Cristian Blanco Tirado, Vice-Rector for Research and Outreach
- Gonzalo Alberto Patiño Benavides, Director of IPRED
- Amado Antonio Guerrero, Director of IdEAD
- Olga Patricia Ortiz Cancino, Director of Graduate Studies
- Pedro Antonio García Obando, Director of the UIS Library
- Hernando Guerrero Amaya, Director of CEDEDUIS
- Alexandra Cortés Aguilar, Director of Planning
- Aura Cecilia Pedraza Avella, Director of UIAES
- Sonia Cristina Gamboa, Head of the Publications Division
- Jorge Villamizar Morales, UIS Manager in the Territories
Regional development as a key axis of social transformation is one of the central challenges. In this new rectoral period, the goal is to reach more regions across the country to continue transforming through education. “I take on this responsibility with great enthusiasm and the energy that comes from seeing our rector’s commitment to bringing all the UIS’s work to the national territory, reaching departments like Arauca, Guaviare, and Amazonas, among others,” said Jorge Villamizar Morales, UIS Manager in the Territories.
The event also featured remarks by Nicolás Corso Salamanca, the President’s representative on the University Council, who reaffirmed the National Government’s support. “UIS is a driving force for building nationhood and identity. From the Government, we offer full support to continue generating opportunities in territories still affected by violence.”
Professor Olga Mercedes Álvarez Ojeda, the new Academic Vice-Rector, made a call to the university community to work as a team: “I take on this challenge, this mission entrusted to me by the rector, with deep commitment and responsibility. I will give my all, just as I have during my 22-year journey with the university—with dedication, an open mind, a listening attitude, and always aligned with the rector’s policies and the Rectoral Management Plan.”
With his eyes set on 2050 and a steadfast heart in his purpose, Rector Hernán Porras Díaz begins this new term convinced that true change is built from the regions. And once again, Socorro was the starting point.
