Universities are amongst the most important institutions in society. The ideas that shape and change the world come out of their classrooms and laboratories. Nevertheless, in an era of hyper-technology, universities need to rethink their missions in order to guarantee that ethical and humanistic values shape the way technology contributes to inclusive and sustainable development. This is especially true for “macro universities,” which provide educational opportunities for more than one hundred thousand students. We present the University of Guadalajara as a case study -sharing insights on government collaboration, pandemic response, and technological advancement.

Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí is a tenured professor at the University of Guadalajara (UdeG). He holds a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Law, with a minor in Administration of Justice and Public Security from UdeG. He also holds a Master's degree in Educational Technology from the University of Salamanca, Spain.

Subsequently, he completed a PhD in Educational Technology at the University of Salamanca, Spain, and carried out postdoctoral studies where he conducted research on "The University facing the challenge of training new generations" in the Training Program on Applied Research for Non- Profit Public Organizations and Educational Sectors, at the University of New Mexico, United States.

During his professional career, Dr. Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí has held various political positions in the Government of the State of Jalisco. In addition to administrative and managerial positions at the University of Guadalajara. Among these, the following stand out: General Coordinator of University Services, 2007-2009; Head of the Office of the Major of the City of Guadalajara, 2009-2012; Minister of Planning, Administration and Finance for the Government of the State of Jalisco, 2013-2014 and Chancellor of the Tonalá Campus of UdeG, 2016 to 2019.

His research interests range from educational innovation and technology to urban planning and development. Throughout his academic career, he has participated in more than twenty-three books, has presented a considerable number of academic publications, and has overseen a variety of research projects. 

On February 6th, 2019, Ricardo Villanueva Lomelí was elected by the General University Council as President of the University of Guadalajara, 2019 – 2025.

*Note this talk will be in Spanish with English translation 
** We will provide coffee and pastries