The University of America is born in a time of dreams and transformation. Are the years of aspirations towards a political, social and economic fair, a time in which the spirit is progressive, and humanistic, inspired by figures such as José Celestino Mutis and his legacy, trace the path to a higher education committed to the change.
It is also the time of the creation of the Association of Colombian Universities (ASCUN), whose purpose is to promote the unity of knowledge and collaboration between educational institutions, illuminating and the common goals of students and teachers. The university, as a reflection of the future of the country, stands in a space where they meet all of the ideas, thoughts, and social backgrounds. The reality of Colombia becomes the central axis: not only as present context that defines a particular way of teaching, but as a final destination, a horizon towards which it directs the formation of minds and spirits.
In 1958, a university reform marks a milestone in higher education in colombia, updating the aspirations of the universities so that they can respond to the challenges of the country. In this process, the institutions assume a decisive role in national progress, to strengthen its autonomy and independence. Thus, it reinforces a vision of the university that the student's part and is constructed in him. It is a time of profound changes, which pave the way to a University of America solid, cutting-edge, and engaged with their social and educational objectives.
In 1952, the Ministry of Education granted the license to start academic activities in the University of America. Shortly after, in 1956, approved the studies, and professional degrees in the faculties of Architecture and Economy, marking the beginning of an academic career focused on the development of the country.
That same year, the university promotes the creation of the faculties of Engineering, Industrial, Mechanical, Petroleum and Chemistry, and is a pioneer in Bogotá in these key areas for the growth of industry and energy.
A momentous moment takes place on October 12, 1957, the Day of the Race and the anniversary of the discovery of America, when the rector and founder Jaime Posada leads the creation of the Association of Colombian Universities (ASCUN), establishing a collaborative framework that would transform higher education in the country. Five years later, on October 12, 1962, becomes the first stone of the iconic EcoCampus of the Hills, next to the historic Quinta de Bolívar.
At this stage, thanks to the creation of the Office of Planning in 1961, the university undertakes an ambitious development plan based on three phases: academic, architectural, and financial. This effort, led by graduates and teachers, lays the foundation for sustained growth.
In 1968, it strengthens the area of graduate programs with the creation of the Institute of Latin american Community, which offers the Master's degree in Administration Policy. That same year, it inaugurated a library student cooperative in nature, promoting access to scholarly materials.
The decade of the eighties, it represents a period of reflection and progress. In 1981, he published the regulations on registration, evaluation and certification, establishing a clear framework for students. In 1985, the rector Jaime Posada compose the document "Institutional Self-evaluation", a deep reflection on the objectives of the higher education supervised by the ICFES, driving a transformation in line with the needs of the country.
In 1986, on the occasion of the 30 years of the university, the Library is launched Roberto García Peña in the House of the Citizen Eduardo Santos, an iconic space that symbolizes the commitment to education and culture. That same year, he delivered the Garden of the Teachers of America, located next to the Quinta de Bolívar, in the headquarters of the Hills.
In 1990, the University of America establishes a System of Institutional Assessment, marking a milestone in the academic and administrative management. In 1991, publication of the strategic plan, "A university with the watch in the morning", which reflects significant changes, as the update of the plans of study, the strengthening of the teaching body and the modernization of the infrastructure.
In 1992, puts in place a comprehensive program for the evaluation and modernization of the curriculum, which includes seminars and commissions interdisciplinary. In addition, the university has a crucial role in the formulation of the Law 30 of 1992, which establishes the legal framework for the higher education in Colombia, and highlights the importance of the sciences and humanities in the university training.
The technological advancement marks this period. In 1998, the university achieved the systemisation of your total academic processes and administrative, consolidating the use of the computer as a pillar of its management.
In 2001, the University of America celebrates 45 years of career, a milestone accompanied by the consolidation of its graduate programs and the opening of a new headquarters in the north of Bogotá, in the street and 106 avenue 19. This achievement reinforces the institutional autonomy and expands its impact in higher education.
Since 1999, the specialization of the university is officially register, opening up a path to a new era of academic excellence. After years of planning and efforts, in August 2005, the start of the classes in the Tower of Graduate studies, one of the venues of the most modern and advanced in the country, designed to meet the demands of students and teachers of high category. This project consolidates the University of America as an institution of reference in the training of highly qualified professionals.
In this period, the University of America consolidates its position as one of the educational institutions have the greatest impact on Colombia and the Latin american region. The university's efforts are oriented towards internationalization, technological innovation and the strengthening of its academic offerings to meet the demands of the TWENTY-first century.
In 2015, the university started an ambitious plan of digital transformation, which includes the implementation of virtual classrooms, e-learning platforms and the adoption of technological tools for advanced teaching. This approach allows for greater flexibility in the educational programs, benefiting both local students and international.
Environmental sustainability becomes a central pillar of the educational model of the University of America. Implement institutional policies for the responsible management of resources, such as the reduction of the carbon footprint and the efficient use of energy in their campus.
The university obtains the important accreditations and certifications of national and international account for the quality of its academic programs and its commitment to excellence. This achievement reinforces its reputation and attracts students from different countries.
During 2020, to face the challenges presented by the pandemic of COVID-19, the University of America responds with agility, adapting all of its programs to a hybrid model of teaching. This allows the students to continue their studies remotely, while maintaining high standards of quality and ensuring access to technological tools advanced.
In 2021, the university inaugurated a renewed headquarters focused on interdisciplinary research, with laboratories of the latest generation for areas such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy and biotechnology. It strengthens the approach of inclusive education, and accessible, with the creation of scholarships and support programs to students from vulnerable communities.
In 2023, the University of America leads several projects of international cooperation, participate in academic networks global driving student and faculty mobility, as well as joint research projects.
In 2024, it is celebrated on the 68 years of the university, establishing itself as a beacon of knowledge, innovation and social progress. During this year, conduct commemorative activities which include international conferences, the publication of books and a recognition of honor graduates who have contributed to the development of the country and the region.
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