25 June 2025
Bilbao Campus
The University of Deusto is currently renewing academic positions, both within faculties and the rector’s team. On 25 June, the auditorium hosted the swearing-in ceremony of Macarena Cuenca, as Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Studies (Deusto Business School); Andoni Eguíluz, as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Vicente Vide, as Dean of the Faculty of Theology; and Álvaro de la Rica, as Vice-Rector for Academic Policy and Digital Transformation.
The Rector’s team will be completed on 8 July with the appointment of Mari Jose Aranguren, formerly General Director of Orkestra – Basque Institute of Competitiveness, as the new Vice-Rector of the San Sebastian campus and Institutional Relations. In addition to these two new vice-rectors, the team led by Rector Juan José Etxeberria includes the Vice-Rector for University Community and Agenda 2030, Aitziber Irigoras; the Vice-Rector for Research and International Relations, Javier Arellano; the General Secretary, Stella Solernou; and the General Manager, Gonzalo Meseguer.
For the Rector, this occasion holds deep symbolic and community significance, as it marks a welcome to those taking on key responsibilities within the University, and expresses gratitude to those who previously held these roles. It is also a sign of continuity and renewal — “an expression of the trust that unites us as an academic community committed to a shared mission: to educate individuals who will transform the world”.
According to Juan José Etxeberria, this task calls for a form of leadership that is not measured solely by achievements, but by the 'ability to generate trust, to inspire, and to build connections.' It is a demanding kind of leadership which, inspired by the Ignatian tradition, must be exercised through discernment, inner depth, attentive care for people and the mission, and magnanimity. A leadership that takes the time to listen, that offers authentic accompaniment, and that dares to dream big — placing both individual and collective talents at the service of the common good," he remarked.
Bridging knowledge and action
Deusto’s university mission,” he added, “is clear and ambitious”, because educating individuals who will transform the world means committing to a holistic education that goes beyond the development of professional or ethical skills to also embrace the emotional, spiritual, and social dimensions. This purpose requires bridging ‘knowledge and action,’ driving research with real-world impact. It also involves educating for a global, critical, and compassionate citizenship committed to the common good. It also demands building a diverse and collaborative community, because ‘this is a task that involves all of us.’
Finally, the Rector stressed the University's firm commitment to democracy, understood as a "cultural ecosystem" based on deliberation, mutual recognition, respect for the dignity of the individual and the search for the common good. A way of living and engaging that must permeate all aspects of university life — teaching, research, and daily interaction — and that requires ongoing commitment to promoting critical thinking, intercultural dialogue, and shared responsibility. A path that, in the words of Juan José Etxeberria, calls us to collective discernment, mutual care, and the joint building of a University that looks to the world and works to transform it. Full speech.
The new positions
Macarena Cuenca, Associate Professor in the Department of Management at Deusto Business School, takes on the role of Dean following a distinguished career at the university, where she has led international outreach initiatives, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and European projects focused on social transformation.
Andoni Eguíluz, PhD in Computer Engineering from Deusto, brings extensive experience in research, technological development, and projects with social and educational impact. He is a leading figure in promoting STEAM vocations and educational technologies, he has spearheaded projects such as Inspira STEAM and the Ada Byron Award.
Vicente Vide, Professor at the Faculty of Theology and Doctor of Theology from the University of Deusto, returns to serve again as Dean of Theology with a strong academic, philosophical, and theological profile. His research focuses on linguistic pragmatics, fundamental theology and the dialogue between faith and society.
Finally, Álvaro de la Rica, the new Vice-Rector, is a Professor at Deusto and has held multiple leadership positions, including his current role as Dean of DBS, as well as previous appointments as Vice-Rector and Secretary General.
