Uepa holds ceremony for the reappointment of the rector and vice-rector of the University
The ceremony marked the beginning of the new management that will lead Uepa from 2025-2029
In an event filled with emotion, academic symbolism, and a reaffirmation of the commitment to quality public education, the State University of Pará (Uepa) officially reappointed, on Wednesday (4), rector Clay Chagas and vice-rector Ilma Pastana for another term at the helm of the institution. The ceremony took place at the Teatro Margarida Schivasappa in Belém and brought together members of the academic community, former rectors, authorities, and representatives from the interior campuses.
The ceremony, with the attire and protocols specific to university ceremonies, was also marked by the inauguration of three new pro-rectors: Acylena Coelho, in the Pro-Rectorate of Undergraduate Studies; Luanna Fernandes, in Research and Graduate Studies; and Higson Coelho, in Extension. Professor Carlos Capela was reappointed to the Pro-Rectorate of Management and Planning.
One of the most symbolic moments of the event was the delivery of the rector's collar to rector Clay Chagas by vice-rector Ilma Pastana, with the insignia brought to the stage by inspector Andrea Batista from the Municipal Guard of Ananindeua. Former rectors Manoel Moutinho (the first rector of Uepa), Izabel Amazonas, and Rubens Cardoso also attended the ceremony in recognition of the university's history and institutional continuity.
Representing the newly appointed pro-rectors, Professor Acylena Coelho highlighted the challenges of the new management and the importance of unity in the collective construction of the university. "We have a path to tread, and it will not be easy. But we want to walk it alongside every colleague, teacher, technician, and staff member who builds the university with us every day."
Vice-rector Ilma Pastana thanked the support of the delegations from the interior campuses and made special mentions of former managers of the pro-rectorates, such as Ednalvo Campos, Vera Palacios, and Jofre Freitas. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of the democratic process that reappointed the slate to office. "The wise decision of Governor Helder Barbalho, when announcing our appointment in less than 72 hours after the approval in Consun, was more than an institutional recognition — it was a declaration of commitment to the Pará society."
Achievements and new challenges - Emotional, rector Clay Chagas thanked his family for their understanding regarding the dedication required by the position and recalled some of the main achievements of the management, such as the public competition for new staff, the update of the PCCR, investments in infrastructure, and inclusion policies, including ethnic-racial quotas and reserved spots for indigenous and quilombola students.
He also pointed out the challenges that the university still needs to face. "We need to strengthen higher education, expand graduate studies, approve the restructuring and the new PCCR, which dynamizes and transforms the reality of our teachers. We have six sports courts in bidding, in addition to new buildings."
Another highlighted point was the advancement of the student assistance law, currently in the final phase for voting in the Legislative Assembly of Pará (Alepa), to ensure not only access but also the retention of students at the university.
Festive closing - The ceremony concluded with applause and the collective shout of "Long live Uepa, long live democracy, long live Uepa of All Voices!", sealing the moment of celebration and hope for a new cycle of achievements.
Following this, singer Lucinha Bastos moved the audience with a pocket show, honoring the university and the commitment of its community to social transformation through education.
