In a ceremony held at the Aula Magna Theater of the University of Santiago de Chile, the new rector of said higher education institution, Dr. Pedro Palominos Belmar, a doctor in industrial engineering, assumed office for the period 2026-2030.
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He is the first authority of the institution to assume office under the new Organic Statute that governs Usach, a regulation that left behind Decree with Force of Law No. 149 inherited from the dictatorship.
In his first address as the highest authority of the University of Santiago de Chile, Palominos recalled his life story linked to the institution as a student, teacher, researcher, and executive. Subsequently, he made a diagnosis of some situations that the university will have to face, emphasizing the principles that will guide his rectorship.
Regarding the first of the axes, “training and purpose,” the rector explained that “our hallmark will be to train excellent professionals and also committed citizens, people capable of creating and understanding, leaders of transformations with ethics and public sense.”
On this last point, “public sense,” he indicated that in this second axis “we will work with the highest quality standard, understanding knowledge as the well-being of people.”
In the third area of action, “innovation and digital transformation centered on people,” he maintained that technology will be a strategic ally to strengthen university transformation, research, and management.
In the fourth point, “research with impact,” he affirmed that he will promote new national and international alliances and boost the protection of intellectual property, among other actions. “We want research that dialogues with the country’s challenges and generates knowledge and solutions,” he pointed out.
The construction of community was the fifth orientation announced by the Rector. “There is no university of excellence without a cohesive community, nor a successful project without collaboration,” he assured.
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In his sixth axis, “commitment to Chile,” he considered it relevant to project the institution internationally, for the benefit of the country. The rector stated that his management will strengthen academic and scientific alliances with Latin America, Asia, Europe, and other regions of the world.
Finally, he presented the university’s new Central Government, composed of Carlos Yévenes as pro-rector; Luis Quezada as academic vice-rector; Andrea Mahn as vice-rector for research, innovation, and creation; María José Rodríguez as vice-rector for student support; Claudio Herrera as vice-rector for outreach; Héctor Chávez as vice-rector for postgraduate studies; Joaquín Espinoza as vice-rector for finance and logistics; Rocío Núñez as vice-rector for quality of life, gender, equity, and diversity; and Marcela Rosinelli, in the position of executive director of the rectorship.
The event took place in the university’s Aula Magna Theater, one of the institution’s most important heritage spaces. It was presided over by the president of the university’s Superior Council, Roxana Pey; the general secretary, Sandra Barrera; the former interim rector, Cristian Muñoz, and Rector Palominos himself. It also had the attendance of rectors and representatives from other higher education institutions, authorities, diplomats, deans, academics, staff, and students.
Former rector Muñoz, who also ran in the rectorship elections and contested the position in the second round, thanked everyone who worked during his six-month tenure and recalled that he had to assume office at a very challenging time for the university – after the Tricel ruling that annulled the election of former Rector Rodrigo Vidal. “We worked as one body to face what we experienced,” he said. At the same time, he explained that his rectorship was interim. “Now we are here, as a sign that the university is standing, as are our institutional processes.”
He also stated that during his tenure, teachers were included in the electoral roll, “which was to recognize a right for them. We were able to do that in two months, which shows that Usach’s collegiate bodies prioritize the greater good,” he specified.
Furthermore, he stated that during his short period, financial balance was achieved. “This year’s budget was unanimously approved by both councils, so we leave the university stabilized and with funds,” he affirmed. Finally, he highlighted that the highest enrollment in the university’s history was achieved in the last admission process. “All efforts made for Usach are worthwhile because, after more than 170 years, it continues to be one of the most relevant social and academic projects in our country.”
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