UPR president launches ‘Utuado Flourishes’ initiative

University of Puerto Rico President Zayra Jordán Conde

By The Star Staff

University of Puerto Rico (UPR) President Zayra Jordán Conde announced on Wednesday the launch of the “Utuado Florece” (Utuado Flourishes) initiative to transform the academic, structural, and community aspects of the UPR-Utuado campus.

The idea is to position UPR as a catalyst for economic and social development in the central region of the island.

The move comes after she fired Utuado Chancellor Luis Tapia Maldonado, according to sources close to the issue.

In the past, several UPR officials have expressed the need to close the Utuado campus because it has very few students. Tapia Maldonado has objected to the move.

Jordán Conde said the initiative reflects a commitment to revitalizing UPR’s institutional capacities by aligning them with the contemporary challenges of the labor market, agricultural innovation, local entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

“With this innovative project, we are embarking on a profound transformation at the University of Puerto Rico,” she said. “Each academic unit will strengthen its unique identity and respond to the needs of our country through its distinct focus. In Utuado, this entails renewing our agricultural tradition with a modern vision: promoting sustainable agriculture, led by entrepreneurs dedicated to innovation, environmental conservation, and local economic development. The 21st-century jíbaro is a well-prepared, visionary professional rooted in their land, working for the well-being of their community and all of Puerto Rico.”

Jordán Conde stressed that “Utuado Florece” seeks to enhance UPR’s role in fostering the island’s economic and social growth by adapting to market and industry needs.

“From the presidency, we are promoting this project with the firm goal of optimizing UPR’s academic, research, and community capabilities in Utuado,” she said. “We want our offerings to be aligned with the real needs of the country, especially those of the central region, making it a model for applied education, knowledge transfer, and human capital development for regional progress.”