Dr Maria Luz C Vilches, Vice President for Higher Education (Memo U2223-056)

I am pleased to announce that at its meeting on 4 February 2023, the Ateneo de Manila Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr Maria Luz C Vilches as the first Vice President for Higher Education (VPHE) for a 3-year term from 1 June 2023 to 31 May 2026.

Dr “Marlu” Vilches has been with Ateneo de Manila for more than 30 years. A seasoned and respected leader, Marlu has served the University in different capacities as Vice President for the Loyola Schools (June 2016 – to date); Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for the Professional Schools (1 June 2022 – to date); Dean of the School of Humanities (April 2008 – 2016); Chair of the English Department (April 2004 – March 2007); and as Executive Director of the Ateneo Center for English Language Teaching (1995-2004).

Marlu obtained her PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Lancaster, UK (2001). She holds three master’s degrees: MA in English Language in Literary Studies, University of Nottingham, UK (1988), MA in Folklife Studies, University of Leeds, UK (1980) and MA in Literature, Ateneo de Manila University (1977). She received her AB in English and Philosophy (Summa Cum Laude) from Divine Word University Tacloban City (1974).

On behalf of the University, I thank Marlu for accepting this latest appointment and for her magnanimity in taking on this vital task of integrating and leading the University’s higher education units towards greater heights. With Marlu’s familiarity and rootedness in Ignatian leadership values, we are confident that we are in good hands during this crucial period of growth and transition.

I would also like to thank the Search Committee for their dedication and thorough conduct of the search process: Fr Aristotle C Dy SJ (Chair), Dr Cenon R Alfonso, Dr Ma Assunta C Cuyegkeng, Dr Roberto Martin N Galang, Atty Ma Ngina Teresa V Chan-Gonzaga, and the Office of the Vice President for Human Resources led by Dr Maria Victoria T Cortez for providing secretarial assistance.

As mentioned in an earlier memo (Memo # U2223-028), the work of integrating the Loyola Schools and the Ateneo Professional Schools is a work-in-process and we must be prepared to refine and revise its plans as needed. In this regard, I have requested Dr Vilches to reexamine the new positions that will report under the VPHE, which were earlier announced (i.e. Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Dean for Graduate Studies, Assistant Vice President for Research, Creative Work, & Innovation, Assistant Vice President for Internationalization) and to recommend modifications to these roles and designations if necessary.

Let us support Dr Vilches with our prayers as she embarks on her new role as the first Vice President for Higher Education. May the Holy Spirit grant her light and wisdom in shepherding the higher education community in this shared mission that is Ateneo de Manila.