Is it possible for a humble foundation to rise to university status? Let’s explore the story of Fundacion Universitaria Antonio de Arévalo. This Cartagena institution boasts a rich history. It’s dedicated to academic excellence.
The Fundacion Universitaria Antonio de Arévalo’s story began as Fundacion Tecnologica Antonio de Arévalo – TECNAR in 1984. Five prominent Cartagena figures in education and business founded it. They shared a commitment to community development. These founders believed education was the best path forward.
Cartagena needed skilled workers. The industrial and service sectors were growing rapidly. Education became viewed as a path to a better life. The founders formalized their vision on April 30 1984. Public Deed No 756 established the private foundation. It was named Fundacion Tecnologica Antonio de Arévalo TECNAR. The location was the Tourist and Cultural District of Cartagena de Indias.
The name honors Don Antonio De Arévalo. He was a military engineer. He arrived in Cartagena on November 29 1742. His mission was to rebuild fortifications. Admiral Vernon’s attack had destroyed them. Arévalo also contributed to other projects. These included batteries at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas and La Escollera de la Marina.
The Ministry of National Education granted TECNAR legal status. This was on January 23 1985. Resolution No 322 confirmed it. Later that year the ICFES granted the license to operate. This was confirmed with Resolution No 078 on April 25.
Thirty-three years later significant change occurred. On March 22 2019 the Ministry of National Education approved statutory reforms. Resolution No 002968 marked this change. The institution became a university institution. The Fundacion Tecnologica Antonio de Arévalo became Fundacion Universitaria Antonio de Arévalo UNITECNAR.
UNITECNAR’s academic activities align with Colombian laws. These include the Political Constitution of 1991 and Law 30 of 1992. UNITECNAR operates as a private higher education institution. It emphasizes coexistence conciliation and pluralism. Teaching research and social outreach are balanced. The goal is to develop well-rounded professionals. They must thrive in a globalized world.
The Fundacion Universitaria Antonio de Arévalo started small. It began in a colonial house in Manga. The first program was Naval and Port Administration Technology. Twenty-two students enrolled in the second semester of 1985. The following year two more technology programs emerged. These were Agricultural Administration and Civil Works Construction. The ICFES approved these programs. This was confirmed by Resolution 3280 on December 23 1988. In 1992 a partnership with the Pascual Bravo Technological Institute established an Electronics Technology program in Cartagena.
Numerous awards recognize the Fundacion Universitaria Antonio de Arévalo. These include the Orden del Congreso de Colombia. The government has also awarded the Luis López de Mesa Order multiple times. The Francisco José de Caldas Order also recognized UNITECNAR’s high-quality institutional accreditation.
Today the Fundacion Universitaria Antonio de Arévalo continues to grow. It provides diverse academic programs. These programs reflect its commitment to Cartagena and Colombia.