Amparo Navarro Re-elected as rector of the University of Alicante
Amparo Navarro has been re-elected as the Rector of the University of Alicante (UA) following a successful election where she secured 57% of the votes against her opponent, Enrique Herrero. Under the new Organic Law of the University System,rectors are now limited to a single six-year term,allowing Navarro to led the university until 2030. In her first interview post-election,Navarro expressed satisfaction with her improved support from faculty and staff,while acknowledging the need to enhance student engagement in future elections. She emphasized the importance of better dialog to increase voter participation among the student body, which remains a critical challenge for her upcoming term.
The University of Alicante (UA) is facing critical challenges as it seeks to secure funding for campus renovations and expansions. With many buildings over a century old, the university aims to modernize its infrastructure while addressing the growing demand for space, especially towards the west where the Scientific Park is located. As UA approaches its 50th anniversary, the focus is not only on physical upgrades but also on attracting younger faculty and streamlining administrative processes through digitalization and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the university is committed to consolidating its recent degree offerings in fields like artificial intelligence and health sciences, ensuring that new programs align with employability and industry needs.The University of Alicante (UA) is adapting to the evolving educational landscape by embracing online and hybrid courses, catering to a diverse student body that includes professionals seeking to upskill and older individuals pursuing career transitions. Recent initiatives, such as a partnership with the regional government to add 185 new doctoral positions, aim to bolster research capabilities and ensure a generational shift in academia. This move comes on the heels of a favorable ruling from the Valencian High Court, which has affirmed the UA’s medicine degree program, paving the way for expanded enrollment and enhanced contributions to the local healthcare system. As the demand for flexible learning options grows, the UA is committed to providing high-quality education that meets the needs of today’s workforce.The University of Alicante (UA) and the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) are exploring collaborative opportunities in the field of Medicine,despite ongoing normal relations in other academic areas. Recent agreements have successfully facilitated the distribution of educational practices for over a thousand students across the province, showcasing a commitment to cooperation. While discussions about a potential inter-university medical campus remain speculative, both institutions are open to sharing resources and projects, similar to existing collaborations in other faculties like Law.Additionally, the UA is dedicated to enhancing the welfare of the diverse wildlife on its campus, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for its animal inhabitants, which include ducks, squirrels, and turtles.In a recent statement following her electoral victory,Amparo Navarro emphasized the critical need for equitable funding in higher education to enhance both teaching quality and impactful research in Spain. Advocating for university autonomy, Navarro called on political leaders to recognize the importance of public higher education, likening its significance to that of healthcare in establishing a nation’s global standing. Her remarks highlight a growing concern within the academic community for lasting policies that support universities, which are essential for fostering innovation and societal progress.
Q&A Session with Amparo Navarro, Rector of the University of Alicante (UA)
Editor: Amparo, congratulations on your re-election as the Rector of the University of Alicante! With 57% of the votes in your favor, your support seems strong. What do you think contributed to this renewed trust from the faculty and staff?
Navarro: Thank you! I believe the confidence from faculty and staff stems from our collaborative efforts over the past years. We’ve made strides in transparency and engagement, addressing both academic challenges and campus concerns.However, I recognize there is still work to be done, especially in fostering student participation in university governance.
Editor: You’ve mentioned the need to boost student engagement in future elections.what specific strategies do you plan to implement to address this challenge?
Navarro: Increasing student engagement is crucial. I propose more interactive dialogues with students,where we can address their concerns and involve them in decision-making processes. I also want to enhance our interaction channels, ensuring that students understand the importance of their votes and how they impact university governance.
Editor: The University of Alicante is facing significant infrastructure challenges. With manny buildings over a century old, what are your immediate plans for modernization?
Navarro: Indeed, our aging campus is a pressing issue. we are actively seeking funding for renovations and are focused on expanding our facilities, particularly towards the Scientific Park. It’s essential not onyl to modernize infrastructure but also to support our growing academic programs, especially in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and health sciences.
Editor: Speaking of academic programs, how is UA adapting its offerings to ensure they align with current industry needs?
Navarro: We are committed to consolidating our programs in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence and health sciences. Recent partnerships with the regional government to create 185 new doctoral positions are part of this strategy.We are also shifting towards online and hybrid courses to accommodate a more diverse student body, including professionals seeking to upskill.
Editor: There seems to be a collaborative spirit with Miguel Hernández University regarding medical education. Can you elaborate on those initiatives?
Navarro: Absolutely. while our collaboration primarily revolves around our medical programs, we are exploring ways to share resources and best practices across faculties. This approach not only benefits our students but also bolsters the educational practice for many across our institutions. the idea of an inter-university medical campus is still in discussion but shows our commitment to cooperative education.
Editor: You’ve highlighted the critical need for equitable funding in higher education. What steps do you think should be taken to enhance public support for universities?
Navarro: It’s essential that political leaders recognize the parallels between public higher education and healthcare in terms of national progress. I advocate for policies that ensure universities receive adequate funding to support teaching quality and impactful research.Investing in higher education is an investment in innovation and the future of society.
Editor: as UA nears its 50th anniversary, how do you envision its role in global education?
Navarro: As we approach this milestone, our goal is to position UA as a leader in innovative education. By adapting to global trends, fostering research, and maintaining strong community ties, I believe UA can contribute substantially to both local and international academic landscapes, ultimately enhancing our global standing.
Editor: Thank you, Amparo, for sharing your insights. Your vision for the University of Alicante is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold in the coming years.
Navarro: Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the journey ahead and the positive changes we can achieve together at UA.