By San José, Costa Rica — The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) has announced the appointment of Alejandra Barahona as its new rector. Barahona, a seasoned academic leader with over 30 years of experience, will steer the university’s strategic direction and further solidify its position as a leading international institution.
Barahona’s impressive background includes a Ph.D. and M.A. in Latin American Literature from UCLA and an Executive MBA from INCAE Business School. Her expertise spans academic innovation, curriculum internationalization, and institutional transformation. She also holds several international certifications, including the NAFSA International Education Professional Certificate (IEPC), along with credentials in risk management, design thinking, and big data analysis.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and business implications surrounding ULACIT, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
ULACIT’s unique position within the Costa Rican private university landscape presents interesting legal considerations. Their focus on bilingual education and technological integration requires careful navigation of accreditation standards and intellectual property law, especially in the context of evolving international educational partnerships. This area warrants close scrutiny as the institution grows and adapts to the changing global market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the legal complexities of international partnerships and evolving accreditation standards will be crucial for ULACIT to maintain its distinctive edge in Costa Rica’s higher education sector. As the university expands its global reach, these considerations will undoubtedly shape its future trajectory. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this important aspect of ULACIT’s development.
As rector, Barahona will prioritize expanding academic and cultural opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers globally. Her focus will be on fostering strategic partnerships with prestigious universities worldwide, developing exchange programs, dual degree options, and international cooperation initiatives.
Prior to joining ULACIT, Barahona served as Executive Director of Study Abroad for the LCI Education network. In this role, she spearheaded international academic operations in Costa Rica, Barcelona, and Morocco, designing experiential learning programs aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She also has over two decades of experience leading international higher education programs with exceptional student participation rates.
I take on this challenge with a deep commitment to honoring ULACIT’s legacy of academic excellence, but also with the vision to project it internationally. My focus will be on consolidating the educational model that guarantees each student a secure bridge to the professional world, developing not only technical knowledge but also the transversal competencies demanded by global employability. This involves strengthening ties with local and international companies, organizations, and innovation projects, so that students experience real industry challenges and build valuable networks from their education.
Alejandra Barahona, Rector, ULACIT
Silvia Castro, President of ULACIT’s Board of Directors and former rector for over 20 years, emphasized that this appointment marks a new chapter in the university’s development as a leader in innovation, academic quality, and bilingual education. She reaffirmed ULACIT’s commitment to global integration and preparing professionals with an international perspective.
Pending approval by the National Council of Private University Higher Education (CONESUP), Barahona will assume leadership at a time when ULACIT enjoys widespread national and international recognition. The university consistently ranks highly in prestigious international rankings, including QS World University Rankings, where it is recognized as one of the best universities in the world and number one in Central America. ULACIT is also lauded for its employability rates, ranking 18th globally by QS Recognition Employability. Furthermore, the university boasts a robust internationalization program with over 100 active agreements with universities in more than 30 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
This appointment signifies a dynamic shift towards bolstering ULACIT’s global presence and ensuring its graduates are equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Barahona’s leadership promises a future of continued innovation and international collaboration for the esteemed Costa Rican institution.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ULACIT
About ULACIT:
The Universidad Latinoamericana de Ciencia y Tecnología (ULACIT) is a private university in Costa Rica renowned for its focus on innovation, academic excellence, and bilingual education. Consistently ranked among the top universities in Central America and globally, ULACIT boasts strong international partnerships and high employability rates among its graduates.
For further information, visit the nearest office of CONESUP
About CONESUP:
The Consejo Nacional de Enseñanza Superior Universitaria Privada (CONESUP), or National Council of Private University Higher Education, is the governing body responsible for overseeing private universities in Costa Rica. It plays a crucial role in quality assurance, accreditation, and the overall development of the private higher education sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of INCAE Business School
About INCAE Business School:
INCAE Business School is a leading graduate business school in Latin America, offering MBA and executive education programs. Known for its rigorous academic standards and focus on regional development, INCAE has a strong reputation for producing impactful leaders in business and government.
For further information, visit the nearest office of LCI Education
About LCI Education:
LCI Education is a global network of higher learning institutions offering programs in design, arts, business, and technology. With campuses in several countries, LCI Education focuses on providing students with practical skills and industry connections to prepare them for successful careers in creative and applied fields.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice and a genuine desire to uplift society. Through cutting-edge legal solutions and a proactive approach to community education, the firm empowers individuals and organizations with the knowledge they need to navigate the complexities of the legal landscape. This dedication to transparency and accessibility, coupled with a proven track record of success across diverse sectors, solidifies Bufete de Costa Rica’s position as a leader committed to both legal innovation and a more informed, empowered Costa Rica.
