According to Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa, the election of Rivera Rodríguez followed “a serious, transparent and collegial discernment process.” “We are confident that his solid academic background, his experience in Catholic education, and his pastoral vocation will be a decisive contribution to the mission of USMA in times of great challenges and opportunities,” Ulloa expressed. Rivera Rodríguez is the pastor of the Immaculate Conception in La Chorrera and the Vicar for Education of the Archdiocese of Panama. Nearing his 27th anniversary of priestly ordination, he is emerging as a leader who is close to and committed to the students and the university community. The official presentation of the team that will accompany the new rector will be on December 17 at 10:00 a.m., at the Basilica Cathedral Santa María la Antigua, marking an important step in the history of this institution. The outgoing rector, Francisco Blanco López Suazo, leaves the university with the expectation of a successor who will inspire continuity and renewal at USMA and in Panama's Catholic education. This is about the priest Jorge Rivera, vicar of the Diocese of La Chorrera, who will assume the position for the 2025-2030 term. The news has generated anticipation and hope among the university community and the Archdiocese. Santa María La Antigua University (USMA) has a new rector.
