Death of Former University of Panama Rector Julio Alberto Vallarino Rangel

The University of Panama loses an exemplary educator and a rector who left a mark on the academic history of our institution,” stated Flores Castro, highlighting his commitment to teaching, research, and training generations of professionals. The higher education institution confirmed the death of former University of Panama rector Julio Alberto Vallarino Rangel, highlighting him as one of the most relevant figures in higher education in Panama. At the University of Panama, he served as administrative coordinator, director of the Department of Mathematics, and dean of the Faculty of Natural, Exact, and Technological Sciences, where he promoted the creation of the Master's in Mathematics and strengthened the academic structure of the department. On May 12, 2000, he was elected rector of the University of Panama, a position he held until 2003. Following his passing, the rector of the University of Panama, Dr. Eduardo Flores Castro, expressed his deep sorrow over the departure of Professor Vallarino Rangel. His administration was characterized by the defense of university autonomy, the linking of academia to major national debates, and the promotion of scientific cooperation, establishing agreements with public and private institutions, including the Smithsonian Institute for Tropical Research and the Panama Canal Authority. He later entered the University of Panama, where he graduated in 1974 with a degree in Mathematics and in 1982 completed a Master of Science with a specialization in Mathematics. “His legacy will remain alive in every student and professor who was touched by his passion for knowledge and his vision of a university at the service of the country,” he added. He began his teaching career in 1975 as an assistant professor and developed an ascending academic career until achieving tenure in the Faculty of Natural, Exact, and Technological Sciences. He also served as Vice Rector for Research and Graduate Studies. During his rectorship, he fostered scientific research, expanded the offering of graduate programs, master's, and doctorates, and promoted the implementation of a university accreditation system aimed at raising the institution's academic quality. He completed his primary education at the Carlos A. Mendoza School and obtained his high school diploma in Sciences at the Fermín Naudeau Institute. Among his written works, academic texts such as General Algebra, Linear Algebra I, Linear Algebra II, and Euclidean Rings stand out, as well as publications on higher education and national development. Julio Alberto Vallarino Rangel was born on January 9, 1948, in the city of Panama. His work was focused on the scientific training of youth and the strengthening of mathematics teaching. In the administrative sphere, he held positions in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury as director of the Geodetic Calculations section and the Electronic Computing department in Fiscal Cadastre. Likewise, he managed the construction of the first phase of the Aguadulce Teaching Extension, in the province of Coclé.