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The investiture ceremony marks the end of the provisional administration and the beginning of a new cycle of institutional autonomy for the university.
On Thursday, January 15, Dr. Víctor Cubillos Godoy formally assumed the position of Rector of the University of Aysén, having been appointed on December 15, 2025, for the period 2026–2030. The ceremony, held at the Coyhaique Cultural Center, formalized the transfer of university governance and the incorporation of the Rector into the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH).
The meeting brought to a close the Provisional Administration period led by Juan Pablo Prieto Cox between 2024 and 2025. During his handover, Prieto highlighted the work done to restore institutional stability and strengthen governance. “We will return the university to its full autonomy so that its community can lead it as it always should have been. I thank the region for all the support the university has always given to the work we have undertaken, and I leave happy with the achievements, proud of what has been done, and happy for the community that has come together to work on this. For now, I am very satisfied and very grateful for the affection of this wonderful community.”.
At the solemn investiture ceremony, Dr. Víctor Cubillos received the Institutional Report of the outgoing administration and the Rector's Medal, a symbol of the transfer of leadership, institutional continuity, and the responsibility that the university community entrusts to its highest authority. In this vein, the new Rector of UAysén emphasized the challenges facing the institution and the need to address them collectively, stating that «faculty, students, and staff must work together. In the coming days, I will meet with the community, with everyone, to discuss and share with you the major priorities, both temporary and permanent. There are many tasks, but one of the most important is for the university to return to normal.”.
Rector Cubillos also acknowledged the work of the outgoing administration and invited university members to consolidate the educational project in the southern region. “I invite the university to continue this work, to improve indicators, and to consolidate the university as a leading institution here in the southern region of the country, in our Patagonia.”.
The ceremony was attended by the Superintendent of Higher Education, José Miguel Salazar, who highlighted the university's potential. "We hope that the academic community will take up this mantle and demonstrate to the region how valuable this university is for its development," stated the national authority.
The investiture of the new Rector comes at a time of institutional strengthening, following significant progress in financial recovery, the normalization of management, and the advancement of strategic projects in teaching, research, and infrastructure. This new cycle opens a phase aimed at consolidating these advances and projecting the development of the University of Aysén in accordance with its public and territorial role, now under autonomous leadership that actively contributes to the work of the Council of Rectors.
About Rector Cubillos
Dr. Víctor Cubillos is a Veterinarian from the Austral University of Chile and holds a PhD in Veterinary Pathology and Public Health from the University of Queensland, Australia. He has a distinguished career as a full professor, focused on teaching, scientific research, and ensuring academic quality. In the area of administration, he has extensive experience, having served as dean for three terms and as rector of the Austral University of Chile for two consecutive terms, where he led institutional modernization and university expansion into Patagonia.
His leadership has extended to key bodies within the higher education system, notably as president of the Association of Regional Universities (AUR), member of the Council of Rectors (CRUCH), and peer evaluator for the National Accreditation Commission (CNA). He has also served on strategic boards such as the Center for Scientific Studies (CECs) and the Center for Ecosystem Research in Patagonia (CIEP).
His career is complemented by extensive participation in international academic networks, consultancies, program evaluations and a sustained contribution to research, reflected in numerous scientific publications, competitive projects and academic recognitions.
Text: Communications Department, University of Aysén. Adapted by CRUCH Communications.
Image: University of Aysén.
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