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With a call to consolidate the progress achieved and collectively address new institutional challenges, Rector Dr. Benito Umaña Hermosilla began his second term at the helm of the University of Bío-Bío, corresponding to the years 2026-2030. The ceremony brought together regional authorities, representatives of the university system, and members of the UBB community, reaffirming the commitment of the country's only bi-regional state university to the development of Ñuble and Biobío.
The ceremony took place in the Aula Magna of the Fernando May Campus in Chillán. On this occasion, the Secretary General of the Bio Bio University, Romina Bazaes Muñoz read the Decree appointing Rector Dr. Benito Umaña Hermosilla for the period 2026-2030. Subsequently, the president of the Superior Council, Lorena Vera Arriagada, presented the Rector's Medal, a symbol of the responsibility of leading and representing the University.
At the start of his second term, Dr. Benito Umaña affirmed that this new phase represents the continuation of a collective effort and the responsibility to project into the future what the university community has built. After assessing the progress of the last four years, he maintained that it is necessary to build upon it and address the pending tasks. “It is about consolidating what we have built and, on that basis, moving forward with greater determination towards a stronger, more modern, more participatory University that is more connected with its territories.”, he pointed out.
The Rector explained that the new period will be guided by the pillars of Well-being, Governance and Modernization, and Social Commitment and Territorial Impact, articulated with Excellence in Education, Knowledge Generation and Transfer, Engagement with local communities and society, and a Culture of Quality. He also highlighted the continuation of flagship projects such as the Health Hub and the future Cultural Hub in Ñuble, as well as the Planetarium and the Urban Park in Concepción, along with the challenge of increasingly translating the bi-regional nature of the university into capabilities and opportunities for both regions.
Dr. Umaña called upon the entire university community to actively participate in this stage. “We must look ahead, continue building the University, expand our horizons, and strive to make UBB a better place every day,” he stated. He also emphasized that the institution's future depends on the ability to work together to bequeath to future generations a University strengthened by excellence, generous in its opportunities, firm in its public vocation, and committed to its regions and the country.
Recognition from the CRUCH
The Rector of the University of Valparaíso and Executive Vice President of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH), Dr. Osvaldo Corrales Jorquera highlighted Rector Umaña's leadership and emphasized "his strong commitment to the development of the University of Bío-Bío, to decentralization and regionalization, and also to the defense of public higher education throughout the country."“.
“These achievements are the product of the effort of the entire university community,” he emphasized, recognizing the contribution of those who have committed their work, abilities and talent to the development of the institution.
UBB: strategic ally of the Region
The acting regional governor of Ñuble, Tamara Valenzuela Fuentealba, representing Governor Óscar Crisóstomo Llanos, congratulated the Rector and stated that the renewal of the university community's trust constitutes a recognition of the path traveled and "an invitation to continue building the future.".
Valenzuela emphasized that for the Regional Government, the UBB has become a strategic partner in building the development of Ñuble, through initiatives that foster capacity building and seek to improve people's quality of life. Among these, he highlighted the Ñuble UBB Health Hub, which includes the Medicine program, the strengthening of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and the Clinical Simulation Center; as well as support for specialized child and adolescent protection residences and Ñuble's first Wine Technology Laboratory.
“Behind every project there are people,” he emphasized. He also praised the University's participation as a founding institution of the Ñuble Regional Development Corporation and its contribution to spaces for collectively shaping the region's future.
The acting regional governor projected this relationship into the coming years, noting that the start of the new Rector's term also opens a new phase of collaboration. "We want the projects we are currently promoting to continue and for us to be able to forge new paths," she stated.
The ceremony also featured the participation of the University of Bío-Bío Choir, directed by Professor Christian Barrera Villouta, which performed the National Anthem and the University Anthem.
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