The upcoming election for the rector of Universitat de València could change not only the internal dynamics of one of the country’s oldest universities, but also influence the future of higher education in the region. For the first time in many years, four candidates have openly discussed their plans, sparking a wave of emotions among students, faculty, and staff. At stake is not only the university’s prestige, but also its ability to meet contemporary challenges.
This year, over 63,000 people are invited to the polls: from students to researchers and administrative staff. The decision they make will determine the university’s direction for years to come—and who will succeed the institution’s first-ever female rector in its 525-year history.
Diverging approaches
Each candidate has proposed their own vision for the university’s development. Carles Padilla, PhD in Philology and the current Vice-Rector for International Relations, strongly criticized excessive bureaucracy, which he believes hampers progress. He insists on greater involvement of all community members in decision-making processes and calls for more transparency in governance. Among his initiatives are increased funding for scientific research, the creation of a protocol against workplace harassment, and the launch of an office for housing issues.
Juan Luis Gandía, professor of economics and former vice-rector for finance and infrastructure, believes the university urgently needs a new direction. He points to growing dissatisfaction among staff and students due to an unclear management system. Gandía emphasizes the importance of reforms in knowledge transfer, research, and collaboration with business. He pays particular attention to the housing shortage and the aging faculty.
Challenges and Solutions
Francisco Rodenas, professor of social work and deputy dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, advocates for a radical break with established habits. He calls for moving away from inertia in management and bringing the administration closer to people. Rodenas suggests making greater use of the science park to attract new companies and resources, as well as ensuring scholarships, especially given rising tuition costs. He notes that the decline in master’s enrollments is directly related to this factor, which benefits private universities. Rodenas also raises issues of transportation accessibility and proposes making the university more caring toward its members.
Ángeles Solanes, professor of philosophy of law and head of international relations at the law faculty, advocates for responsible transformation. She supports digitalization, international cooperation, and reducing bureaucracy. Solanes believes the university must be prepared for the challenges of artificial intelligence and should pay greater attention to environmental and social sustainability. However, in her view, even the recently approved multi-year financial plan does not solve all the issues.
Key debates
During the candidate debates, sharp disagreements repeatedly surfaced. Funding became one of the hottest topics: all participants admit resources are insufficient, but they differ on how to address the issue. Some insist on stricter spending controls, while others emphasize the need to seek increased support from regional authorities.
Housing for students and faculty, as well as staffing policies, proved to be just as contentious. The aging workforce and the lack of young specialists are concerns for all the candidates, though their solutions differ. Some suggest reforming the hiring system, while others propose introducing additional incentives for young professionals.
Looking to the future
The debates revealed that, despite a shared commitment to a strong and open university, the candidates’ approaches to reform are fundamentally different. Some prioritize innovation and international cooperation, while others focus on social support and internal transformation. The question of who can unite the university community and lead it to new heights remains unanswered.
The election of the rector promises to be more than just a change in leadership—it will be a true test for the entire system. It is already clear that no one remains indifferent to the future of Universitat de València.
