The current dean of the Faculty of Arts at the Alma Mater of Cauca, Master José Heiner Calero Cobo, received from the Municipal Council of Popayán the Cruz de Belalcázar, with the distinction of Distinguished Payanés. This recognition honors his outstanding academic career, his social commitment, and his contribution to the education of the youth in the White City. We receive this tribute with great pride and consider it our own.

We are deeply moved to learn that a senior member of our beloved University has been awarded the Cruz de Belalcázar, a great honor, especially since our current Institutional Development Plan, titled 'Towards an Excellent and Supportive University,' highlights 'Our people as the most valuable asset of the University' as its first pillar. When other institutions recognize one of our own, our hearts swell with joy because, like us, they acknowledge the invaluable contribution that Unicaucanos make to building a better society.

The recipient of this honor is Dean José Heiner Calero, who received this distinction from the Municipal Council of Popayán in recognition of his academic work spanning many years, focusing on cultural endeavors from an educational perspective rooted in higher education.

Dean José Heiner Calero holds a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the University of Cauca, a Master's degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and has pursued doctoral studies at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. As part of his research, he has focused on various artistic activities such as weaving, basketry, wood sculpture, glazed ceramics, sculpture using recycled materials, polychrome sculpture, stone sculpture, body painting, and embossing techniques, all practiced by skilled artisans and masters from the Cauca department.

"An entire lifetime dedicated to university management and teaching, always in pursuit of human and professional development through the Arts and 'Community Artistic Pedagogy,' which highlights the communal work and bartering of our indigenous communities and recognizes the diverse ethno-aesthetic productions of the region," expressed Dean José Heiner.

The Civil Order 'Cruz de Belalcázar' is a medal conferred upon individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving the citizens of Popayán through exemplary performance in their work. This order, bestowed by the Honorable Municipal Council of Popayán, represents one of the most prestigious recognitions in the capital of Cauca department.

As a university community, we cannot help but celebrate with joy that this significant honor has been bestowed upon our dean, José Heiner, to whom we extend our sincerest congratulations and immense gratitude. Through his work as an educator and academic leader, he has contributed to transforming the lives of young people who have chosen art as a path to build a better future.

For more information: Faculty of Arts Email: facartes@unicauca.edu.co