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The solemn inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of the 2026–2030 period, following the first rector election process developed under the new Statutes of the University of Atacama.
Aguilera was re-elected with 881% of the valid votes cast, the highest support recorded in the institution's history.
With high participation from the university and regional community, authorities and guests, the University of Atacama held the solemn ceremony of the assumption of Forlin Aguilera Olivares, formally beginning his second term as rector of the institution, corresponding to the years 2026–2030.
The event included the participation of Fernanda Valdés Raczynski, Undersecretary of Higher Education, and Marisol Durán Santis, President of the Consortium of State Universities of Chile (CUECH) and Rector of the Metropolitan Technological University (UTEM), as well as regional authorities and representatives from different areas of Atacama.
During her speech, the undersecretary highlighted the history of the University of Atacama, its heritage, and the characteristics of the institutional leadership developed in recent years.
“The University of Atacama is the custodian of a cultural heritage that defines its identity and whose roots run deep in the history of northern Chile. Therefore, I believe it is only right to acknowledge the qualities of Rector Forlin Aguilera, re-elected with a large majority by his university community and recognized for his leadership based on cross-party dialogue, administrative integrity, and the ability to build consensus, in an institution that boasts a strong financial and patrimonial foundation,” stated Fernanda Valdés Raczynski.
For her part, Marisol Durán highlighted the participation of the university community and the support expressed in the election process.
“I want to send my warmest greetings to Rector Forlin Aguilera and the entire University of Atacama community. Today we wanted to join him at the start of his second term, which has the support and participation of his university community. This process reflects a university that actively participates and has renewed its confidence in Rector Aguilera’s leadership,” said the president of CUECH.
First election under the new statutes
The ceremony formalized the result of the first rector election held under the new Statutes of the University of Atacama, approved by DFL No. 13 of 2023, which strengthen the participation and representation of the community through collegiate and tri-estamental bodies, such as the University Council and the Superior Council.
In the election held on July 29, Aguilera obtained 88% of the valid votes cast, a result that constitutes the highest support recorded in the institutional history and that gave way to his second term at the head of the University.
A university that has grown and is planning new challenges
In his speech, the rector reviewed the main advances achieved during the last four years and stated that these constitute the basis from which the University will face a new stage of development.
Among the milestones highlighted was obtaining 5 years of institutional accreditation, under the new criteria and standards of the CNA; the awarding of the Research Fund for Universities (FIUT), with a projection of 10 years and funding exceeding $16 billion, which will allow the deployment of capacities in the nine communes of Atacama; along with advances in training, research, innovation and linkage with the territory.
In connection with the community, the initiatives developed by the University increased from 131 in 2022 to 1,179 in 2025. This is further enhanced by the role of the UDA in updating the Atacama Regional Development Strategy 2024–2034, reinforcing its contribution as a state and regional university to the challenges and opportunities of the region.
“We are beginning a new stage to consolidate what has been achieved, deepen the transformations and project our University towards greater levels of complexity,” said Rector Forlin Aguilera.
From the progress to the next four years
Based on this, the period 2026–2030 will be geared towards consolidating progress and deepening transformations in areas such as undergraduate and postgraduate training, research, innovation and transfer, territorial linkage, digital transformation, financial sustainability, well-being and mental health, accessibility, gender and people development.
The ceremony also included recognition of Alejandra Tello Zamorano, Vladimir Riffo Bouffanais, Viviana Rodríguez Venegas and Juan Campos Nazer, who completed a stage of service from different responsibilities and contributed to the institutional growth and strengthening during the period 2022–2026.
Also presented was the 2026–2030 management team, which will accompany the rector in the implementation of the challenges and commitments of this new stage.
With this, the University of Atacama begins a new period of university governance based on the capacities built during the last four years, with the challenge of consolidating, deepening and projecting a more and better University, maintaining its state, public and regional identity, with the people and the development of Atacama at the center of its work.
Vladimir Riffo Bouffanais, Viviana Rodríguez Venegas and Juan Campos Nazer, who completed a stage of service to the institution from different management responsibilities.
Another highlight of the day was the presentation of the University Cabinet 2026–2030, the team that will accompany the rector for the next four years:
- María José Gallardo Nelson, Vice-Rector of Research and Postgraduate Studies.
- Fernando Herrera Gallardo, academic vice-rector.
- Jaime Feijoó Meléndez, Vice-Rector for Economic Affairs and Institutional Management.
- Alejandro Salinas Opazo, general secretary.
- Carla Zepeda Barraza, Director of People Management and Development.
- Pablo Becerra Muñoz, Director of Research.
- Claudia Trigo Figueroa, Director of Continuing Education.
- Felipe Ulloa Cruz, Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- Yulissa Angüis Fuster, Director of Quality Assurance.
- Rossana Sepúlveda Rivera, Director of Postgraduate Studies.
- Alicia Campos Cisternas, Director of Administration and Finance.
- Claudia Tapia Cortés, Secretary of Studies.
- Rodrigo Dorador Alfaro, Director of Student Activities.
- Carolina Blanco Zepeda, Director of Innovation, Development and Transfer.
- César Espíndola Arellano, Director of Institutional Development.
- Pamela Valderrama Olivares, Director of Planning and Investments.
- Esteban Alanis Alanis, Director of Gender, Diversity and Inclusion.
- Alexis Rojas Da Silva, Director of Outreach and Communications.
Likewise, Pedro Sotomayor Soloaga assumes the role of director of the Vallenar branch.
With this act, the University of Atacama begins a new Rector's term, the first under its new Statutes, building on the progress achieved and with the challenge of continuing to build a more participatory public University, with greater capabilities and closely linked to the development of Atacama.
Fountain: Communications University of Atacama
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