CETYS University in Baja California aims to enhance the educational landscape of the Cali-Baja mega-region, according to President Fernando León García. As the only Mexican institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), CETYS is focused on continuous improvement rather than complacency. “Accreditation is not something that you achieve and then forget about,” León García emphasized. “It is about ongoing progress.”
Recently, CETYS hosted a town hall at UC San Diego Park & Market in the East Village, where it presented its vision to a diverse audience that included academics, business leaders, philanthropists, and local government officials from both sides of the border. The university boasts over 43,000 graduates and an impressive employability rate exceeding 90%, emphasizing its pivotal role in the region.
León García highlighted the importance of a binational perspective in education. “It is no longer the case that we can offer a university degree without some level of exposure to the binational — in particular in this region — but also a global perspective,” he stated. This approach aims to enrich students’ educational experiences, making them more competitive in the job market.
CETYS, which stands for Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior, has established partnerships with various institutions, including San Diego State University, University of San Diego, and Southwestern College. These collaborations facilitate joint degrees, student exchanges, and workforce development initiatives. One notable partnership is with the City University of Seattle, where students can simultaneously earn degrees from both institutions through hybrid courses and overseas study trips.
León García noted that many students benefit from a multi-country experience, with opportunities in the U.S. and Europe. “Most of them have had two-country experiences, and a reasonable number have had three-country experiences,” he explained. This exposure equips students with the ability to understand different cultures and work effectively with multinational corporations.
Suzanne Walsh, president of City University of Seattle, echoed León García’s sentiments about the collaborative potential of the two institutions. She remarked, “These are two universities that complement each other and together, are really thinking about the future in big, powerful, meaningful, globally connected ways.” The term “glocal” captures their shared vision of blending local and global educational benefits.
Both leaders are committed to expanding their industry partnerships, which include collaborations with major companies like Microsoft and Amazon. Walsh emphasized that these connections would enhance students’ profiles when they enter the workforce.
As CETYS seeks to broaden its reach, León García expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the institution by both Southern California and Baja California. “We hope that through the Cali-Baja initiatives, we can enrich our contribution and enhance the region’s uniqueness and standing worldwide,” he said.
The ongoing efforts of CETYS University highlight the institution’s dedication to not only academic excellence but also to fostering a collaborative educational atmosphere that benefits students across borders.
