By: Editorial Desk
Date: October 23, 2026
In a landmark decision that signals a shift in the landscape of Colombian higher education, the National Council of Rectors of the Colombian Association of Universities (ASCUN) has elected Father Harold Castilla Devoz, Rector General of the Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO), as the new president of the organization for the 2026-2028 term.
The election, which took place during the 161st session of the Council in Bogotá, marks a historic milestone: for the first time in its nearly seven-decade history, the association will be led by a representative from a university institution (institución universitaria), underscoring the growing influence and integration of diverse educational models within the national system.
The Strategic Shift: A New Leadership Profile
ASCUN, which celebrates its 70th anniversary next year, serves as the primary forum for the strategic coordination of Colombia’s higher education institutions. The selection of Father Castilla Devoz is not merely a procedural change; it is a clear message regarding the association’s commitment to regional expansion and social inclusion.
Serving alongside him will be Luis Fernando Polania Obando, Rector of the Universidad del Quindío, who was appointed as Vice President. Together, the pair faces the daunting task of guiding the country’s universities through a period of rapid technological, social, and economic transformation.
Who is Father Harold Castilla Devoz?
Born in Turbaná, Bolívar, Father Castilla Devoz is a member of the Eudist congregation and brings a multidisciplinary academic background to the presidency. He holds a degree in Philosophy, is a theologian, and earned his Doctorate in Education from Nova Southeastern University in the United States.
His leadership at the helm of UNIMINUTO since 2017 has been defined by aggressive growth and social impact. Under his tenure, the institution surpassed the 110,000-student mark, established a presence in all 32 departments of Colombia, and even successfully exported its unique academic model to the Ivory Coast in Africa. This track record of scaling operations while maintaining institutional identity is exactly the kind of strategic thinking the ASCUN Council was looking for as it approaches its eighth decade.
Chronology of a Leadership Transition
To understand the significance of this election, one must look at the recent trajectory of the organization and the path taken by its new leadership:
- 2024–2026 (The Foundation): Father Castilla Devoz served as the Vice President of ASCUN. During this period, he acted as a key liaison between the private, public, and institutional sectors, helping to navigate the complex regulatory challenges facing universities in the post-pandemic era.
- October 22, 2026 (The Election): During the 161st session of the National Council of Rectors, the members reached a consensus, electing the UNIMINUTO rector as the face of the association for the next two years.
- 2027 (The Anniversary Year): The upcoming year will serve as the backdrop for the new administration to execute its "Vision 2027," a strategic roadmap designed to redefine the role of the university in modern society.
The Pillars of the 2026-2028 Agenda
The "Vision 2027" platform, which will serve as the cornerstone of Castilla Devoz’s tenure, is built upon several critical pillars designed to protect the integrity of the educational system while fostering innovation.
1. Protection of University Autonomy
At the heart of the new presidency lies a fierce commitment to the autonomy of higher education. In an era where political pressures on curriculum and funding have increased, ASCUN aims to serve as a firewall, defending the freedom of research and the autonomy of academic chairs.
2. The Hybrid System: Public and Private Synergy
Colombia’s higher education system is a complex blend of public and private institutions. The new leadership intends to move past the traditional rivalry between these sectors, focusing instead on a "systemic integration." The goal is to ensure that both types of institutions contribute equally to the national development agenda, ensuring that public funding and private innovation are aligned toward common national goals.
3. Ethical Integration of Artificial Intelligence
Perhaps the most pressing modern challenge is the rapid adoption of generative AI. The association plans to lead the conversation on how to integrate these tools into the curriculum without losing the "humanist dimension" of education. As Father Castilla Devoz noted, "In the midst of technology and digital revolution, the humanist dimension must be our great bet."
4. Regional Impact and Territorial Articulation
The association is pivoting away from a Bogotá-centric view. The strategy for 2026-2028 emphasizes that research must be "pertinent," meaning it must solve the specific economic and social problems of the regions where these universities operate.
Official Responses and Strategic Vision
In his acceptance speech, Father Castilla Devoz emphasized the spirit of "plurality" and "service." He acknowledged the weight of the office, stating, "I assume this as a service and as a plural work, with all the institutions of the association and with all those who love Colombia and want the best for her."
He further underscored the need for a collaborative approach:
"We will have to converse to create a common agenda where everyone fits and where we all do the work for our Colombia. Because we are education, because we are generators of culture, because we form the human person."
The sentiment was mirrored by the broader Council, which expressed confidence that the transition from a traditional university background to the current, more diverse institutional model (as represented by UNIMINUTO) is a necessary step in the evolution of the association.
Implications for the Future of Colombian Education
The implications of this transition are manifold. Firstly, it signals a shift toward a more pragmatic, output-oriented model of higher education. Institutions like UNIMINUTO, known for their focus on accessibility and workforce development, are becoming central to the national discourse.
Secondly, the emphasis on "sustainability" is a direct response to the financial strain many private and small-scale universities have faced in the last five years. By prioritizing the financial health of member institutions, ASCUN is taking a proactive stance to prevent institutional collapse in an increasingly competitive market.
Finally, the focus on "territorial impact" suggests that the government can expect more robust and unified advocacy from the university sector. When universities speak with one voice regarding the needs of the regions, their ability to influence public policy—from infrastructure funding to regional research grants—is significantly amplified.
Conclusion: A Call for Unity
As the Colombian educational landscape stands at a crossroads, the leadership of Father Harold Castilla Devoz promises to be one of dialogue and bridge-building. By balancing the urgent demands of the digital age with the timeless necessity of humanist education, the new ASCUN presidency is poised to steer the country’s universities toward a future that is not only technologically advanced but deeply rooted in the social fabric of the nation.
The upcoming 70th anniversary of the association will not just be a celebration of the past, but a launchpad for a new, more inclusive, and highly integrated era of higher education in Colombia. Whether the administration can successfully navigate the complexities of government relations and the rapid pace of change will remain the defining question of the next two years. However, with the consensus achieved in the 161st session, the mandate is clear: the universities are ready to unite, adapt, and lead.
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