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After formally assuming the position, the new Rector emphasized that he will fulfill his university governance program and outlined the objectives that will define his administration.
Just as it was for those who came before us and led the founding of our University with great vision, today the challenge is equally important, with the unique characteristics of our times. This is not only due to our mission of generating knowledge that will shape new generations, but also because of the crucial role of public education in a society that is constantly changing and requires new spaces for connection.
With these words, Dr. Benito Umaña Hermosilla addressed those attending the ceremony in which he assumed the position of Rector of the University of Bío-Bío for the 2022-2026 term. The university leader emphasized that his administration will work tirelessly to strengthen public higher education, especially the system of state universities with a regional focus. He also announced that he will promote civic culture that values diversity, secularism, pluralism, inclusion, and human rights, with a strong emphasis on gender equity as an institutional hallmark.
The new Rector emphasized the unwavering commitment to a flexible and dynamic educational model that fosters creativity, talent, and critical thinking. "We owe it to our students, who have chosen UBB as their educational institution and as a path of hope toward social mobility and greater integration," he stated. He also reiterated that one of the main objectives of his administration will be to reposition the institution where it deserves to be and connect it with the public and private sectors, under the concept of a university with a unique, bi-regional identity and a collaborative approach across various areas of social interaction.
Dr. Umaña also emphasized that he will seek to strengthen the attraction of regional and sectoral funds, reinforcing alliances with the private sector and demanding greater base funding for universities from the government. In this context, he specified that he will promote greater national leadership in bodies such as the Association of Regional Universities, the Consortium of State Universities, the Council of Rectors, and government entities. At the regional level, he stressed the importance of collaboration with other universities to collectively contribute to the well-being of communities.
The new Rector also emphasized that, internally, he will implement a working model with approachable authorities who respond promptly and facilitate agreements, fostering trust and incorporating proposals from different sectors. This means coming together, getting to know each other deeply, and fully embracing the unique opportunity that comes from inhabiting two regions, he affirmed.
He added that he will embrace with dedication and rigor the development of strategic projects, such as the creation of the health center and the medical program in Chillán, and the implementation of the urban park in Concepción, in addition to the creation of the Faculty of Social Sciences with coverage at both campuses and the strengthening of the academic offerings. We will also resume the planetarium project and undertake concrete actions for the improvement and positioning of the Marta Colvin Museum, as well as other relevant initiatives in the field of culture and the arts for our campuses.
The new Rector emphasized that he will fulfill his university governance program, based on five pillars—Governance, Quality of Life, Academic Excellence, Research and Transfer, and Community Engagement and Bi-regional Collaboration—for each of which a demanding, proactive, and realistic framework for action is established, always ensuring institutional sustainability. "A better UBB is possible with everyone!" he concluded.
The ceremony marking Dr. Umaña's inauguration as Rector for the 2022-2026 term took place on Monday, August 29, in the Aula Magna of the Concepción campus. Authorities and representatives from the Biobío and Ñuble regions were in attendance, along with directors and members of our university community. The ceremony was presided over by the President of the UBB Board of Directors, Bernardino Sanhueza, who presented Dr. Umaña with the Rector's Medal of the University of Bío-Bío.
Former Rector Dr. Mauricio Cataldo Monsalves addressed those present, emphasizing that the transfer of power ensures continuity in the history of our institution, which, over 75 years, has contributed to regional development through the cultivation of science, the arts, and technology. He recalled that upon assuming the rectorship in 2018, he could not have imagined that his tenure would be marked by the social unrest, which imposed new social demands, and the pandemic, which tested institutional stability. While highlighting that the UBB successfully navigated both situations, he referred to the main milestones of his administration, mentioning the presentation of the proposed new university statutes, the agreements with the regional governments of Ñuble and Biobío, and the creation of the General Directorate of Gender and Equity, among others.
As I leave the Rector's office, Dr. Cataldo concluded, my feelings are pride in the shared achievements during such complex times; satisfaction, because what has been achieved is the result of work conceived and developed to deepen university democracy and build kinder and fairer spaces; and gratitude, for having had the honor of leading the UBB based on the principles of collaboration and respect.
*Source: Communications U. del Bío-Bío.
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