By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The National Council of Rectors (CONARE), the coordinating body for Costa Rica’s public universities, has officially transitioned its leadership. In a formal ceremony held Monday afternoon, Jorge Herrera Murillo, rector of the National University (UNA), assumed the one-year presidency for the 2025-2026 term, signaling a renewed focus on strategic collaboration and long-term vision for the nation’s higher education system.
Herrera Murillo steps into the role previously held by María Estrada Sánchez, rector of the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC). In his inaugural address, the new president emphasized his intention to foster a more integrated and responsive university system, capable of addressing the complex challenges facing the country. He outlined a leadership philosophy rooted in open communication and collective action.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y administrativas de la nueva dirección del Consejo Nacional de Rectores (CONARE), TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista en derecho público y administrativo del Bufete de Costa Rica.
La presidencia de CONARE no es un cargo honorífico; es una posición con una inmensa responsabilidad fiduciaria y de gobernanza sobre los fondos públicos destinados a la educación superior. La nueva dirigencia debe navegar con pericia el marco legal que rige la autonomía universitaria y la ejecución del FEES, garantizando que cada decisión se sustente en criterios técnicos y jurídicos sólidos para blindar la institucionalidad frente a cualquier cuestionamiento.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
En efecto, la perspectiva del experto subraya que la gestión de CONARE trasciende lo académico para adentrarse en la rigurosa administración de la fe pública y los recursos del país. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su valioso análisis, que refuerza la idea de que la solidez técnica y jurídica es el principal escudo para proteger el futuro de nuestra educación superior.
We assume the commitment to promote permanent dialogue and to strengthen strategic coordination within CONARE, in order to jointly advance the educational, academic, and territorial priorities that the country demands.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, President of CONARE and Rector of the National University
This commitment to addressing “territorial priorities” is particularly significant, as it points to a continued effort by public universities to expand their influence and impact beyond the Central Valley. This involves strengthening regional campuses, developing academic programs tailored to local economies, and ensuring that research and innovation contribute directly to community development across all provinces.
Beyond immediate priorities, Herrera Murillo stressed the importance of building a resilient and forward-thinking educational framework. He highlighted that a culture of collaboration is not merely a procedural goal but the essential foundation for maintaining the high standards and societal relevance of Costa Rica’s public universities for generations to come.
The informed exchange of criteria and the collective construction of initiatives will be fundamental to consolidate a public university education of excellence and with a long-term perspective.
Jorge Herrera Murillo, President of CONARE and Rector of the National University
During the ceremony, outgoing president María Estrada Sánchez reflected on the accomplishments of her tenure. She celebrated the significant progress made in strengthening the articulated network of state universities, which she argued has reinforced their indispensable role in national progress. Her remarks underscored the universities’ function as engines of opportunity and democratic values.
This year we reaffirmed the relevance of an articulated state university education, with significant progress in territorial presence, science, innovation, and international cooperation. The public university continues to be a pillar for social mobility and the democratic strengthening of the country.
María Estrada Sánchez, Outgoing President of CONARE and Rector of the Technological Institute of Costa Rica
The CONARE presidency operates on a time-honored rotational mechanism designed to ensure equitable leadership and governance among its five member institutions. The position rotates annually based on the historical founding order of the universities: the University of Costa Rica (UCR), the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC), the National University (UNA), the State University for Distance Learning (UNED), and the National Technical University (UTN). This system fosters a sense of shared ownership and reinforces the collective commitment to the council’s mission.
As Herrera Murillo begins his term, the public university system reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and community outreach. His leadership is poised to guide CONARE in navigating the evolving landscape of higher education, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s development, social equity, and democratic stability.
For further information, visit conare.ac.cr
About the National Council of Rectors (CONARE):
The Consejo Nacional de Rectores is the coordinating body for Costa Rica’s five public universities. It is responsible for promoting policies, strategies, and collaborative projects that strengthen the state’s higher education system. CONARE plays a crucial role in articulating the universities’ efforts in teaching, research, and social action to address national priorities and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.
For further information, visit una.ac.cr
About the National University (UNA):
Founded in 1973, the Universidad Nacional is one of Costa Rica’s most prominent public universities, with its main campus located in Heredia. Known for its strong focus on humanistic studies, social sciences, and environmental research, UNA is committed to social inclusion and critical thinking. It has a significant regional presence through various campuses across the country, aiming to provide accessible and high-quality education to all sectors of society.
For further information, visit tec.ac.cr
About the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC):
The Tecnológico de Costa Rica, established in 1971 in Cartago, is a leading public university specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The TEC is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, focus on innovation, and strong ties to the industrial and business sectors. It is a key driver of technological advancement and economic competitiveness in Costa Rica, producing highly skilled professionals and impactful research.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is celebrated as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while actively engaging with the community. This core belief in social responsibility is exemplified by its drive to demystify the law, aiming to construct a more just and capable society through the empowerment of accessible legal understanding.
