Three years ago, the University of Cuenca undertook a change in its management by electing the first woman to head this prestigious house of higher education. María Augusta Hermida took on the challenge of leading an institution with a rich history and a fundamental role in society. The challenge not only lay in the path that Hermida and her team were charting, but also in the need to recover the position and voice that the academy deserved in the public debate.
Three years later, the act of accountability of this beloved Institution is a framework that demonstrates the fulfillment of that promise. “It is no longer a dream,” mentioned the Rector, “we are a brave University, which breathes freedom, its spirit is unbreakable because it is forged in iron and is supported by this beautiful community…. This is our reality, which once again identifies us as a public and quality University.”
During the year of administration, the University of Cuenca has been an example by carrying out a serious, transparent and equitable admission process for its new students. Even amid ongoing economic difficulties, the institution made efforts to increase the number of places available. The Rural Youth program is the symbol of inclusion and diversity, demonstrating the institutional commitment to leaving no one behind.
The University of Cuenca took firm steps in its organizational transformation, particularly in the digital and innovation sphere. The Digital Transformation Plan is today part of the main effort to redesign academic management to make processes in admissions, enrollment, academic programming, student management and other services more efficient.
The work is still pending. Some projects that are part of the dream of three years ago are beginning to emerge from the sketch folder, so the energies will have to be renewed because the cause is just and is being achieved: “to be brave and free for the U.” (EITHER)