Through a solemn ceremony, the university leadership welcomed eight new tenured professors, professionals who won the faculty call held in the second academic semester of 2023. The induction event took place on Tuesday, March 12, in the University of Cauca's Council Hall.

As part of the Improvement Plan for Institutional Reaccreditation and in compliance with Agreement 85 of 2021, which stipulates that merit competitions should be held semi-annually to ensure the stability of the teaching staff at our Alma Mater, the induction ceremony for eight new tenured professors took place on March 12. 'Today, you are teachers, so let the dignity of being part of an institution like the University of Cauca mean starting to contribute to the construction of a history, a legacy that we need you to perpetuate in its greatness, in its social impact, in its sensitivity, because surely what we need are sensitive, creative, and transformative professionals,' said Rector Deibar René Hurtado Herrera, who presided over the ceremony alongside Dr. Aída Patricia González Nieva, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Dr. Francisco Pino, Vice-Rector for Research; and Jorge Enrique Barrera, Vice-Rector for Administration. It was a very moving occasion not only for these professors but also for the families who had the good fortune to accompany them.

Thus, during this highly significant event for the careers of those who are now formally members of the faculty, the following professors took office: Amanda Lucía Fernández Pérez (Department of Tourism Sciences), Augusto Muñoz Caicedo (Department of Speech Therapy), Henry Bautista Amorocho (Department of Internal Medicine), Roger Ortega Caraballo (Department of Structures), Sory Alexander Morales Fernández (Department of Construction), José Arvey Camargo Rojas (Department of Public Law), Marlen Andrea Melenje Argote (Department of Graphic Design), and Juan Felipe Restrepo David (Department of Spanish and Literature). This group of professors will continue to transform the lives of many students while also transforming their own lives and those of their families, as being part of an institution of higher education like the University of Cauca allows academic projects to intersect with life projects, enabling the realization of their most cherished dreams.

"The reception from the University was lovely; it marks the beginning of a very special stage. I believe that, for all the professors who participated in the competition, the words of the Rector were very moving, so they indeed achieve the purpose of making one feel committed to the institution," said Amanda Lucia Fernández Perez, the new tenured professor of the Department of Tourism Sciences, who also spoke about the process she had to go through to achieve this accomplishment. "It was a rather long and arduous process; each stage had its complexities. Due to the requirements to be met, one had to give their best, and perhaps it is also important to highlight all the effort made by the departments in carrying out the process hand in hand with the Vice-Rectorate for Academic Affairs, ensuring it is transparent and allows everyone who meets the profiles to participate." Meanwhile, Rober Ortega Caraballo, who joins the Department of Structures, mentioned, "It was a pleasant welcome. I did not expect the whole ceremony; we thought, along with other colleagues, that it would just be a signature in an office, but it was something very nice, pleasant, and memorable."

In this way, the objective of the university leadership was fulfilled, as March 12, 2023, will be an unforgettable date for all the professors who started a new stage at this institution of regional thought. This fills us with pride because it was a public and transparent process that resulted in the selection of professionals with the highest quality standards, who join this noble task of guiding the path of hundreds of young people who dream of a better world. Additionally, it is important to note that, in the coming days, the professors who also won the aforementioned Merit Competition will take office, as we must remember that 27 positions were being offered at the time, of which 15 vacancies were filled by the end of the process.

Finally, we extend an invitation to all teachers who are interested in being part of this institution of Excellence and Solidarity to stay tuned to our website and social media because we will continue with a new Merit Competition this year. The goal of our Alma Mater is to keep transforming lives through opportunities that offer greater stability and well-being.

For more information:

Vice-Rectorate for Academic Affairs

Email: viceacad@unicauca.edu.co