In compliance with Resolution RPC-SE-05-No.010-2021 issued by the Higher Education Council (CES), the Supervisory and Institutional Strengthening Commission for Yachay Tech University (CIFI), began its functions at the university as of February 17, 2021.

José María Lalama Aguirre, PH.D., took on the role as President of the CIFI and Rector of the University, after presenting a resume to a call made by the Higher Education Council CES where he was elected by majority of the counselors, for his outstanding work in academic and research issues.

He is an Ecuadorian psychologist and professor with professional knowledge in University Management. His important academic background includes: PhD in Psychology at Crosse University; M.A. in Psychology and Counseling, and B.A. in Political Science and Administration at Montclair State University (USA).

He has served as President of the CIFI of the Technical University of Cotopaxi, overseer of the National Electoral Council, in the Merits and Opposition Contest to elect the councilors of CES and CEAACES; Expert Evaluator of Research Projects carried out by Ecuadorian Universities for Senescyt and Auditor/Inspector (temporary administrator), appointed by the Higher Education Council, ESPEA, among other positions.

Along these lines, the Rector stated that: “Since Yachay Tech does not have tenured faculty and a university council and co-government, it is intervened in an integral way, so we can analyze administrative, financial, academic, management and community engagement issues will be analyzed, as these are fundamental axes in every university”.

José María Lalama, ratified his commitment to work together with the university community to guarantee the election of authorities and to have tenured faculty on the way to institutionalization; “That the University has an elected rector who makes appropriate decisions, where there can be follow-up and that CES can go hand in hand to strengthen the incredible potential of Yachay Tech,” he said.

Regarding infrastructure, he pointed out that meetings have been held with Senescyt for the transfer of assets, which guarantee the well-being of the students and generate funds to strengthen research.

His management will be aimed at strengthening community engagement, contributing from the academia to social development where there is collaborative synergy through projects and the creation of research networks nationally and internationally that can enhance the positioning of Yachay Tech as a benchmark in science, technology and innovation, to solve the problems of the country.

The Supervisory and Institutional Strengthening Commission for Yachay Tech (CIFI), which will conclude its functions on August 31, 2021, is made up of Dr. Arturo Guillermo Clery Aguirre, Academic Member, Dr. María José Calderón Larrea, Research Member and Atty. Guido Xavier Prado Chiriboga, Legal Member.

Finally, Dr. Lalama highlighted that the CIFI will work in a transparent and honest manner: “we are a public university that should be proud to present results and its doors should always be open to the entire community.”