Brigitte Baptiste, one of Colombia’s most prominent voices on environmental issues and biodiversity, has announced her resignation as president (rector) of Universidad EAN in Bogotá after seven years leading the institution. Her departure will become official on October 30, 2026.
Baptiste, a biologist by training, has long been recognized beyond academia for her environmental advocacy. She has been considered on multiple occasions as a potential candidate for Colombia’s Minister of Environment, underscoring her influence in national conversations about sustainability and conservation.
In announcing her exit, Baptiste reflected on the broader challenges facing higher education today, though she did not specify her next professional step. Her resignation marks the end of a lengthy tenure at EAN, a private university known for its entrepreneurship-focused programs, and raises questions about who might succeed her and how the institution will navigate this leadership transition.
Given Baptiste’s dual profile as both an academic leader and an environmental expert, her next move is likely to be closely watched, whether she returns to research, takes on a public role in environmental policy, or pursues another path entirely.
To read Baptiste’s full explanation of her decision and her views on the future of higher education, check out the original article on El Tiempo.
Source: Brigitte Baptiste explica: ¿por qué se va de la rectoría de la Universidad EAN y qué viene para su carrera? (eltiempo.com). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: Corona Mejora Tu Vida, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).