Prof. Prose Ivy Guasa Yepes, EdD, is a distinguished leader in the field of science education and management who was newly appointed on March 11, 2024, as the 7th President of the Visayas State University (VSU). Known for her dedication to academic excellence and progressive leadership, Dr. Yepes brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of transformative achievements.

Prof. Yepes began her academic journey at the then Visayas State College of Agriculture (ViSCA), now VSU, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, majoring in Plant Protection with a specialization in Entomology. Graduated Cum Laude in 1990, she set a solid foundation for her future endeavors.

Furthering her expertise, she completed her Master’s and Doctorate in Science Education at Cebu Normal University (CNU), Cebu City. Her doctoral dissertation received the prestigious Best Dissertation award in 2009 from both CNU and the Philippine Association of Graduate Education (PAGE) in Region 7.

Prof. Yepes' career is marked by significant leadership roles, starting from Department Head, College Dean, and Campus Administrator, to Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension. Her tenure as the 3rd President of Southern Leyte State University (SLSU) from December 19, 2014, to December 18, 2022, was particularly notable. During her presidency, she drove substantial advancements in academic programs, research, infrastructure, and community engagement.

As Campus Administrator from 2006-2013, she completed an Integrated Course on Higher Education Institution Management at the Ateneo School of Government (ASG), funded by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). This training enhanced her skills in executive leadership, strategic management, entrepreneurial development, financial management, and human resource development.

Her role as SLSU’s Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension (2013-2014) saw her complete a Flagship Course on the Management of Research in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP), also funded by CHED. She led significant initiatives, including the production of CHED-accredited research journals, international research congresses, and the establishment of Research and Extension Centers, among others.

Under her leadership, SLSU achieved recognition and numerous awards, including ISO 9001:2015 certification for all six campuses, CSC PRIME-HRM Bronze Award, and Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) eligibility for several fiscal years. Her efforts also led to substantial infrastructure and ICT improvements, with capital outlay projects worth over PhP 786 million and external funding projects totaling approximately PhP 185 million.

Dr. Yepes is a strong advocate for student success and quality education. She has championed the development of faculty and administrative staff, resulting in a significant increase in faculty qualifications and positions. Her administration focused on resilience, operational excellence, and sustainability, ensuring the university's growth and adaptability in changing times.

In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Dr. Yepes has received numerous accolades, including the Administrator’s Honorific Award (2022), Gandilan Award (2022), Most Inspiring Teacher (2022), CSC PAGASA Award (2021), Outstanding Southern Leyteño Award (2017), and Garbo sa CNU Award (2017).

Continuing her commitment to academic leadership, Dr. Yepes is now poised to lead VSU, applying her extensive experience and the competencies gained from the Global Academic Leadership Program at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in 2022. She is dedicated to promoting future-proof talents and generating high-impact STI-based solutions, adhering to a culture of flexibility, competitiveness, and continual improvement.

STRIDES to push VSU further and farther

Prof. Prose Ivy Guasa Yepes' leadership at VSU is anticipated to bring further advancements in research, education, and community engagement, solidifying the university's position as a premier institution in the region and beyond.

Following the system-wide Scenario Building and Strategic Foresight Workshop held from July 15-26, 2024, the Visayas State University (VSU) is poised for a new era of excellence and innovation.

Central to the stewardship of Dr. Yepes are the guiding values embedded in the acronym STRIDES, which stand for Service, Truth, Resilience, Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, and Social Justice.

These core principles not only reflect Dr. Yepes’ vision for the university but also serve as a compass for all members of the VSU community as they navigate the path toward a brighter and more inclusive future.

Service: At the heart of VSU is our commitment to service. This value underscores the importance of selflessness, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of the greater good. By promoting a culture of service, the university aims to nurture compassionate leaders who are dedicated to making a positive impact for societal transformation.

Truth: Emphasizing the significance of honesty, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to facts, the value of Truth guides VSU’s academic and administrative endeavors. Dr. Yepes believes that a foundation built on truth is essential for promoting a community of trust and mutual respect.

Resilience: In an ever-changing world, resilience is a critical trait. VSU champions the ability to adapt, overcome challenges, and emerge stronger. This value is integral to ensuring that VSU remains agile and responsive, capable of thriving amidst adversity.

Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior, Integrity is a cornerstone of VSU. It signifies a steadfast commitment to moral principles, accountability, and the pursuit of justice in all university affairs.

Discipline: Recognizing the importance of self-control, diligence, and a strong work ethic, the value of Discipline is vital for achieving personal and institutional goals. VSU strives to instill this value in every member of the VSU community to foster a culture of excellence and productivity.

Excellence: Excellence is a non-negotiable standard. This value drives the university's pursuit of the highest quality in education, research, and community service. By continuously raising the bar, VSU aims to produce world-class graduates and groundbreaking research.

Social Justice: Committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment, the value of Social Justice ensures that all members of the VSU community have equal access to opportunities and resources. VSU further advocates for fairness, equity, and the eradication of discrimination in all its forms.

Together, these values form the bedrock of Dr. Yepes’ vision for VSU. They serve as a guiding light, inspiring the university community to strive for greatness, embrace challenges, and contribute meaningfully to society.  

As VSU embarks on this transformative journey under Dr. Yepes' leadership, STRIDES will be the driving force propelling the institution toward a future marked by unparalleled success and societal impact. 

University Symbols and Emblems

As the university just concluded its Centennial Founding Anniversary held in April 2024, important updates were made in the University Symbols and Emblems to reflect the historical changes including the ongoing evolution of the university as a global leader in higher tertiary education in this part of the Philippines.

1. The University Mace

The University Mace of Visayas State University (VSU) stands as a powerful symbol of authority, tradition, and unity. This distinguished emblem embodies the rich heritage and forward-looking vision of VSU, marking its key position in the academic and glocal community.

Crafted with intricate and more organic detail, the new VSU Mace is a representation of the university's core values and its commitment to excellence in education, research, and community service. It is prominently featured in significant ceremonies such as commencement exercises, presidential investiture, convocations, and other formal academic events, signifying the solemnity and importance of these occasions.

The updated University Mace also features a more prominent and towering stand that can be easily noticed especially if used in important academic engagements of the university.

2. The Presidential Regalia

The VSU President's official academic regalia follows the university colors Green and Gold, which are associated with bountiful and abundant harvest in agriculture - the flagship program of the university. It contains a fourth velvet chevron stripe to symbolize the office of the University President and its vested authority in the university.

3. The Presidential Medallion

The university medallion is a prestigious and symbolic object that holds significant meaning within the academic community. Worn exclusively by the University President during formal academic ceremonies and special events, this is an important emblem of authority, tradition, and academic excellence, as it represents several key aspects of the university.

The new University Medallion now incorporates the historical institutional transitions of the university starting from its glory days as the Visayas State College of Agriculture (ViSCA) where the institution started to gain its prominence until its conversion into a full-fledged university as the Leyte State University (LSU) in 2001 and later on renamed as Visayas State University (VSU) in 2007.

The updated University Medallion also includes the five campus system of the university with its flagship campus in Baybay City, and its component campuses in Alangalang, Isabel, Tolosa, and Villaba.

4. The University Ring

The University Ring bears the prominent icons contained in the seal of the Visayas State University. 

This is presented to the University President during the formal investiture rites to symbolize the important lifetime role as the ultimate Ambassador or Ambassadress for the university to alumni and other stakeholders around the world.

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