Luis Eduardo Jiménez Herrera has taken on the mantle as general director at the Chapala campus of the Instituto Tecnológico Superior (ITS), one of the 13 technical universities incorporated in Jalisco’s “José Mario Molina Pasquel y Henríquez” system.
Jiménez replaces Gerardo Pantoja who has been at the helm for the past five years, assuming full duties Friday, February 8 after a week-long transition period. Although the new director is a native of Guadalajara, he strongly identifies with the lakeside area because of a previous stint on the staff at the University of Guadalajara Preparatoria (school) in Jocotepec.
Jiménez envisions maintaining the same goals and high standards set by his predecessor. Major challenges include undertaking physical improvements on the campus, such as the installation of a water and sewage system and building additional permanent classroom facilities to replace prefab units that have been in use for more than a decade. Improved transportation services are also needed for students who live as far away as El Salto and south shore communities.
ITS has 900 students enrolled for the current semester studying five engineering careers and a specialized title in gastronomy. Full tuition runs from 2,500 to 3,000 pesos per semester.
The Ajijic Rotary Club is collaborating with the institute to organize a benefit dinner Friday, March 1 that will put money into the scholarship fund for worthy students.