John Jairo Méndez inaugurated as rector of Universidad del Tolima

John Jairo Méndez Arteaga has officially assumed the role of rector at the Universidad del Tolima for the 2026-2030 term. The inauguration ceremony took place at the university’s Auditorio Mayor de la Música, attended by academic community members, faculty, international guests, and family.

The transition marks a new institutional stage for the university, which operates under the motto “Conocimiento que transforma” (Knowledge that transforms). The administration aims to focus on knowledge generation and appropriation to drive social and territorial development. The ceremony also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, with guests such as Ramón Canela Garayoa and Jordi Eras Joli in attendance to support the university’s academic and relational strengthening efforts.

The outgoing leadership concluded a ten-year tenure, expressing gratitude to students, professors, staff, and various institutional allies for their roles in defending public, free, and high-quality education.