Galicia is on the brink of an event that could redefine the role of women in the region’s higher education. For the first time in history, the position of rector at the University of Santiago (Universidad de Santiago de Compostela) is being contested exclusively by women. The first round of voting ended without a winner, meaning the fate of the largest university in the autonomous region will be decided in a runoff. This is more than a mere formality — it marks a new stage for the university environment and may shift the balance of power within the academic community.
Thursday’s election drew attention not only from faculty and students, but also from the broader public. None of the four candidates managed to secure more than half the votes, a result that surprised many observers. Now, on March 11, the runoff will see the two leading contenders face off — Rosa Crujeiras and Maite Flores. Their head-to-head promises to be tense, as both enjoy solid support and impressive experience.
Rosa Crujeiras, professor of statistics and research methods, led the first round with 41% of the votes. Her work at the Center for Mathematical Research of Galicia (CITMAga) has further cemented her reputation within the scientific community. Maite Flores, a professor of optics, received 21%, narrowly beating out María José López Couso, who had the same percentage but a lower absolute vote count. The fourth candidate, Alba Nogueira, finished the race with 15%.
Unexpected interest
The elections were marked by record turnout, made possible by the introduction of electronic voting. Just two hours before the polls closed, 22% of students had already participated, with the final figure nearing 31%. For comparison, in the previous elections, when there was only one candidate, only 6% of students voted. This surge in activity indicates a growing interest in university governance and a desire for change.
Tenured faculty were especially active at the polls—96% exercised their voting right. Among other faculty members, turnout reached nearly 87%, while 75% of administrative and support staff cast their votes. Rosa Crujeiras led among all voter groups, and among students her support was nearly double that of Maite Flores.
A historic moment
The winner of the second round will not only head the University of Santiago, but also become the first female rector in Galicia’s history. The region is home to three public universities and one private university, yet until now, no woman has ever held the highest position at any of these institutions. The first attempt by a woman to become rector in Galicia took place in 1994 at the Universidad de Vigo, but it was unsuccessful. In Santiago, women only began to seek leadership of the university starting in 2010.
The situation has changed dramatically: all the candidates are women, and this alone has become a landmark event for the region’s academic community. The question of who will lead the university now draws keen interest not only from staff and students but also from the wider public. Ahead lies a decisive contest that will determine not only the new rector’s name but also the university’s direction for years to come.
Context and Trends
In recent years, Spain has seen a noticeable increase in the number of women vying for university leadership positions. In 2024, a similar situation occurred at the University of Barcelona, where for the first time in history, both finalists were women. Other regions of the country are also reporting a rise in female representation in academic management, reflecting the broader trend toward gender equality in Spanish society. Such events are becoming increasingly common, and each new appointment is seen as a step forward on the path to equality in education.
