The new rector of the University of Talca has assumed his duties

In an emotional ceremony, academic Carlos Torres began his term by inviting the university community to continue working within a framework of unity.

“I accept this challenge, the greatest of my career, with humility, serenity, and enthusiasm. I place myself at your service and will give my best to continue strengthening our institution.”.

With these words, academic Carlos Torres delivered his first speech as rector of the University of Talca, after formally receiving the position from the outgoing authority, Álvaro Rojas.

In an emotional ceremony held in the Institution's Aula Magna, which was attended by regional authorities and the university community, Torres outlined the hallmark of his administration and introduced the new authorities who will be part of the university government that will serve during the 2022-26 period.

During his address, the university's highest authority emphasized that, “on this new journey we begin today, we must pause and acknowledge that we are not starting from scratch. We can proudly say that in just a few decades we have successfully achieved recognition for our competitiveness and excellence, with a 6-year accreditation in all eligible areas, forging a solid reputation and heritage (…) We are and will be a public university of excellence, at the service of the community.”.

Torres also expressed his gratitude for the work and contributions of Professor Rojas, who led the institution for 27 years. “His leadership has been instrumental in building our community,” he stated.

“The key to this successful development has been the people, an excellent group of individuals who have shaped the University under often adverse circumstances, who have built a vision and worked towards it with perseverance and consistency, and who have learned to share both successes and failures. Special mention must be made of our student community, which has grown alongside our Institution not only in numbers but also in human and professional quality, becoming agents of change. We owe everything to them,” he emphasized.

During his speech, Rector Torres also reiterated his commitment to strengthening ties with the Maule community: “We are at the disposal of our regional and local governments to collaborate in the search for solutions to the main regional challenges,” he stated.

Management team

On that occasion, Rector Torres announced those who will accompany him in the university government, which combined the renewal of some positions and the continuity of others.

In that regard, the dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences, Cristián Rojas, assumed the Academic Vice-Rectorate; while the professor from the Faculty of Engineering, Ariela Vergara, was left in charge of the Vice-Rectorate of Innovation.

Furthermore, Karin Saavedra, an academic from the Faculty of Engineering, was appointed to the general directorate of Community Engagement; Eduardo Álvarez, a professor from the Faculty of Economics and Business, will head the general directorate of Quality Assurance and Planning; and journalist Marcela Barros will do the same in the Directorate of Corporate Communications.

End of a cycle

For his part, in an emotional speech, the outgoing rector, Álvaro Rojas, bid farewell to the university community after leading a period that positioned UTalca as a benchmark institution in the country's higher education system.

The academic stated that his tenure has resulted in a positive outcome. "The evidence is clear: a university accredited at levels of excellence, with a financial health and stability that is admirable compared to other public universities, and above all, a faculty and staff of the highest caliber," he asserted.

Therefore, he urged everyone to “protect the prestige of this Institution because it is the only calling card our students have upon graduation. This prestige was built through the hard work of people who, for 40 years, dedicated their best efforts to consolidating a great University project.”.

Finally, Rojas wished Carlos Torres success in his new role and emphasized that “I hope the community supports him with the same support they have given me over the years. He has all the capabilities to be a great rector in this new era, with a new Chile taking shape, under a different legal framework, and I hope he has the capacity to understand the community's aspirations, which are to continue building a great University.”.

Greetings from authorities

The ceremony was attended by various regional authorities, including the Regional Governor of Maule, Cristina Bravo, who expressed her support for the new rector. “I am here to reinforce the commitment of the Regional Government to work together with one of the leading universities in the country. It is an honor to be here supporting the rector and the educational community in these new challenges they will face in this process,” she stated.

In turn, the mayor of Talca, Juan Carlos Díaz, highlighted the work done so far. “I want to acknowledge and recognize the work of outgoing rector Álvaro Rojas Marín, who has been a fundamental pillar in the development and growth of this University, and wish the incoming rector all the best, urging him to work hand in hand with the Municipality and other institutions. Today he faces a great challenge, but I have no doubt that he will have the support of his entire faculty and the whole city,” he emphasized.

* Information and photographs: Communications U. of Talca.