Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón’s relationship with the CES University began 34 years ago. As a medical student, a career that concluded in 1997, he stood out for his leadership, scientific criteria and vocation for service.
Her interest in addressing the needs of the most vulnerable communities led her to carry out her rural year at the defunct La Cruz hospital, today ESE César Uribe Piedrahíta, in the municipality of Puerto Berrío, Magdalena Medio, Antioquia.
After working for five years as a general practitioner at Coomeva EPS, in 2003 she returned to her alma mater to hold different administrative and managerial positions: academic coordinator of the Medicine and Public Health programs, head of Extension and president of the Superior Council, body in the which was between 2022 and 2023.
After carefully analyzing the resumes of the applicants, the members of the Founders Chamber and Superior Council of the University placed their trust in a woman who is covered with the postulates of the “blue heart”, the symbol of the institution.
“We come to add. CES is a university that has been characterized by doing things as a group. As an academic community we will do the same again. We want to strengthen this human team to work, with leadership, for the well-being of our city and the country; We will also seek to provide solutions that impact internationally,” highlighted the rector.
For the first time, in 47 years of institutional life, a woman will be at the head of the CES University. Last Tuesday, November 5, in a simple ceremony, very much in the style of the new rector, Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón was sworn in and assumed her position before the Founders Chamber, the Superior Council, directors and representatives of the university bodies.
“I describe her as a very intelligent woman. I’m going to use a colloquial word, she is a ‘warrior’ who works until she gets what she wants. The only thing we have asked of him is that he remain as he is. We are going to try to structure a good work team to support her in the disciplines she needs,” explained Juan Gonzalo Aristizábal Vásquez, president of the CES Founders Chamber.
In that same space, the mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga, recalled that in his first term (2016-2019), Arenas Pajón served as Secretary of Health; and in her current mandate, she was the manager of the General Hospital of Medellín, a position she held between March and September of this year.
“He is an impeccable person. I admire your transparency, tenacity, character and technical ability to lead the city’s health issues; and, especially, in the last six months, where he brought our beloved hospital forward from an unprecedented crisis. Now, as rector, I am sure that she will continue to contribute her talent to the university, Medellín, Antioquia and Colombia,” the president stressed.
Explicitly, Gutiérrez Zuluaga asked the rector of the CES to continue contributing with her experience and sensitivity to the solution of the continuous social challenges faced by the district, the department and the nation.
“Together with the students, graduates, employees and managers, we will continue to maintain outstanding leadership in society. As an institution we have always contributed to the work articulated with mayors and governors; and obviously now, with even greater reason, we will continue to do so,” concluded the rector.
“From the State Business University Committee -CUEE- and the G8 Universities we will put our experience and trajectory of 47 years as an institution in favor of science, culture and academia”:
Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón, rector of CES University.
During her first days as rector, Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón attended some institutional events such as degree ceremonies and meetings with her management team, among other matters.
In her first public act as rector of the CES University, Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón, was part of the ceremony commemorating the 20 years of the G8 Universities that took place at the UPB facilities, Laureles sector.
The rector of the institution participated in the second panel of the academic event, called “Connection with the business sector” together with Laura Carla Moisá Elicabide, vice-rector of the National University, Medellín headquarters; Alejandro Olaya Dávila, manager of ANDI Antioquia; Alberto Hoyos Lopera, president of the Noel Cookie Company and José Manuel Restrepo Abonado, rector of the EIA University.
During his presentation, Arenas Pajón highlighted the advances that the CES has had throughout its 47 years of institutional history in terms of innovation, biotechnology, biodiversity and technology, as well as in other fields of the scientific and research component.
“In this work, conceived by the State Business University Committee -CUEE- we have listened to the innovators, but I believe that now our duty is to also listen to society. That is a fundamental challenge: to see and know the real needs that our communities have. Understanding the reality of what people need is a debt that we owe from the academy,” the rector emphasized.
He also added that many times the university is clear about its knowledge and even knows that of the company, but not that of society: “I think that if we review the regulations with the State, many of the things are written. The problem is putting them into practice; and to do so you need to be in that environment and know it clearly, because we fall short in the experience we have within the university when we
For 20 years, the G8 Universities has carried out more than 800 research projects and has trained nearly 500,000 professionals in different disciplines. This alliance of academic, scientific and cultural cooperation is made up of the U. of A., EAFIT, EIA, UNAL (Medellín headquarters), UdeM, UniLasallista, UPB and CES.
How does Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón plan to strengthen the relationship between CES University and local industries to enhance student job readiness?
Interview: Time.news Editor Meets Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón, New Rector of CES University
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Claudia Helena. Congratulations on becoming the first female rector of CES University in its 47-year history! What does this milestone mean to you personally and for the institution?
Claudia Helena Arenas Pajón (CH): Thank you so much! This is indeed a significant moment, not just for me but for our entire academic community. It symbolizes progress, inclusion, and the breaking of traditional barriers. As someone who has been part of CES University for 34 years, I feel deeply invested in our mission, and I believe that my leadership can bring new energy and perspectives to drive our goals forward.
TNE: You’ve had a long and varied career in medicine and education, from serving rural communities to holding various administrative positions at CES. How do these experiences shape your vision for the university?
CH: My experiences have profoundly influenced my understanding of the needs within our communities, especially the underserved. My time managing health care during crises taught me the importance of resilience and collaboration. As rector, I want to ensure that our university not only excels academically but also contributes positively to society. We need to work together—students, faculty, and alumni—to address social challenges and foster solutions that have a meaningful impact beyond the walls of our institution.
TNE: You mentioned strengthening the “human team” at CES. Can you elaborate on what that looks like and how you plan to implement this?
CH: Absolutely. By “human team,” I refer to building a supportive and collaborative environment among faculty, students, and staff. I aim to create channels for open communication and encourage collective problem-solving. We’ll be focusing on professional development opportunities and initiatives that empower everyone to contribute to our mission. Leadership is about listening and fostering a team spirit where everyone’s strengths are harnessed for the greater good.
TNE: The mayor of Medellín, Federico Gutiérrez, praised your tenacity and technical ability in addressing health issues. How do you foresee translating that same persistence into your role at the university?
CH: There’s a direct correlation between the two roles. Just as I faced challenges in healthcare management, I know there will be hurdles in academia. I’m committed to identifying these challenges proactively, fostering strategic partnerships, and mobilizing resources effectively. I intend to be a source of support for our students and faculty, encouraging innovation and accountability in our approach to education.
TNE: You’ve held several leadership roles at CES already. What strategies do you intend to use to maintain continuity while also instigating necessary changes?
CH: That’s a critical balance to strike. I plan to assess the existing processes and policies with a fresh perspective, ensuring that we honor successful initiatives while identifying areas for improvement. Engaging the community in this dialogue will be key. It’s about initiating change through collaboration while respecting the institution’s foundational values.
TNE: Looking ahead, what are some of your immediate goals for CES University?
CH: My immediate goals include enhancing our academic offerings and ensuring they are relevant to contemporary societal needs. We also want to strengthen ties with local industries to align our programs with the skills needed in the workforce. Additionally, I aim to amplify our research efforts to contribute valuable insights that can aid our communities at a national and international level.
TNE: Claudia, as you embark on this new journey, what message would you like to share with the students and faculty of CES University?
CH: I want to emphasize that we are all partners in this journey. Your voices matter, and together we can achieve great things. I encourage everyone to engage actively in our shared mission, to be bold in our ideas, and to remain committed to making a difference in the world around us. Change takes all of us, and I am excited to lead the way alongside such a talented community.
TNE: Thank you, Claudia, for sharing your insights and vision with us. We look forward to seeing how CES University evolves under your leadership.
CH: Thank you for having me! I’m excited for the journey ahead and the opportunity to work together for a brighter future.