Founded in 1995 the Universidad de Las Américas UDLA emerged in Quito. It is Ecuador’s first global university. UDLA’s Colón Campus is one of its four campuses in Quito. Let’s uncover the story of this campus.
Universidad de Las Américas started with academics from Ecuador and Chile. They aimed to prepare students for the 21st century. The university quickly expanded its academic offerings. It added faculties and schools of Communication and Audiovisual Arts. Also, it added Law plus Engineering and Applied Sciences. Psychology, Gastronomy and Hospitality were added too. The university also grew with Education, Health, Dentistry and Music studies.
UDLA is the only university in Ecuador with international accreditation from the United States. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission WSCUC granted this in 2016. This accreditation highlights UDLA’s commitment to quality. It also shows its adherence to international standards. Only ten higher education institutions in Latin America have this recognition.
UDLA’s mission is to develop competent people. These people should have an entrepreneurial spirit. They should also have a global vision. The university wants them to be committed to society. UDLA’s vision is to be a model in Ecuadorian higher education. It strives for academic excellence. The university also aims for quality management.
The Colón Campus is part of UDLA’s network. The Granados Campus came first followed by the Colón Campus in 1998. The latter originally nurtured health professionals. UDLA Park Campus followed in 2007. It became a hub for business and technology studies.
UDLA has achieved significant rankings. In 2019, SCImago Institutions Ranking ranked UDLA as the fifth higher education institution in Ecuador for research performance. UDLA secured first place nationally for innovation in the SCImago Journal Rank SJR 2020.
UDLA provides 37 undergraduate programs. These programs have on-site, blended and night modes. Also, UDLA offers 26 master’s programs and specializations. These are divided into faculties like Law and Dentistry. Others are Economic and Administrative Sciences, Health Sciences and the Business School.
The UDLA Park campus received the EDGE certification in 2021. EDGE recognizes buildings meeting international environmental sustainability standards. UDLA became the first university in Ecuador to receive this certification. UDLA also earned the Punto Verde environmental certification from the Ministry of Environment of Ecuador in 2019. The UDLA Park campus became the first sustainable building in the country.
Between 2016 and 2018, UDLA received the Quito Sustainable Metropolitan Environmental Distinction. This was for its environmental protection practices across the Granados, UDLA Park, and Granja Nono campuses.
So, as we stand here at the UDLA Campus Colón remember its role in UDLA’s story. It is a story of growth quality and a commitment to shaping future leaders. UDLA continues to evolve and contribute to Ecuador’s educational landscape.