In a historic moment for the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (Intec), engineer Arturo del Villar was officially sworn in on 6 November 2025 as the university’s 10th rector for the 2025-2028 term, El Dia reports. He is the first graduate of the institution to ascend to the highest leadership position since the start of the university in October 1972.
Del Villar, a former dean of the engineering area and academic vice-rector, steps into the role following the passing of Julio Sánchez Maríñez in May 2025. His inauguration speech marked a profound commitment to the institution where he began his journey as a student.
“I assume the rectorship not as a title, but as an offering that aims to give back everything I have received from this institution, which is a fundamental part of my life’s project,” the academic expressed, underscoring his deep ties to the university.
Del Villar wasted no time in outlining his administration’s bold vision, declaring Artificial Intelligence (AI) an “unnegotiable priority” that will “define the future of humanity.”
He argued that AI is far more than just learning new tools, calling it a profound re-engineering of how we learn and manage institutions.
“Let’s not be mistaken: this is not a passing fad. It is a transformative force comparable to electricity or the printing press. Faced with it, we have two options: look at it with fear from the sidelines or lead it with responsibility from the arena,” he asserted.
To spearhead this transformation, the new Rector announced the creation of the INTEC Artificial Intelligence Center (CIA-INTEC). This center, he explained, will be more than just an isolated laboratory; it will serve as the “brain” driving the university’s innovation efforts.
“From there, we will promote Dominican solutions for Dominican problems in health, transport, energy, and agriculture, and we will train the talent that industry is crying out for,” Del Villar emphasized.
His strategy involves a multi-faceted approach to integrating AI:
• Integrating data literacy into the university’s “Transdisciplinary Core.”
• Implementing an “AI-Powered Student Counselor” to ensure no member of the academic community falls behind.
• Establishing a clear ethical governance policy for the technology.
While focused on innovation, Del Villar acknowledged that higher education institutions still face critical challenges, notably protecting academic freedom and ensuring sustainability.
Background of Arturo del Villar
A prominent figure in Dominican academia and the international energy sector, Arturo Del Villar brings a wealth of experience to his current role as Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs at the Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC).
Del Villar, who has been an INTEC faculty member since 2014, previously served as the Dean of the Engineering Area from 2015 to 2021 (with an additional term from 2015-2018). He has held the Vice-Rector position since 2021, overseeing the university’s academic operations.
Del Villar holds an Industrial Engineering degree from INTEC and an MBA with a concentration in Corporate Finance from Georgia State University.
His academic foundation also includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Development Economics and International Development from Oglethorpe University. Further bolstering his expertise, he possesses a specialization in Export and Import Business from Mercer University and a Certification in Operations Research from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Beyond his contributions to education, Del Villar has an impressive track record in the energy and business consulting fields. He is currently an active member of the World Energy Council (WEC), an organization dedicated to promoting the sustainable supply and use of energy for global benefit. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the WEC’s Dominican Republic chapter.
In the past, he founded Smart Grid Technologies, a consulting firm specializing in the electrical sector with projects across Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Texas, and Florida.
His executive experience includes serving as vice chairman of the board of directors for Marriott International in Doral, Florida in 2012.
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3 December 2025