CATIE Graduate Appointed Dean at a Bolivian University

• Windson July Martínez, a graduate of CATIE’s Master’s in Tropical Agroforestry, has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Natural Resources at the Public University of El Alto, Bolivia.

The education provided by CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) continues to make a lasting impact across Latin America. A recent example is the appointment of Windson July Martínez, Ph.D., as Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Livestock and Natural Resources at the Public University of El Alto (UPEA) in Bolivia, one of the country's leading higher education institutions.

Martínez, a graduate of CATIE’s Master’s in Tropical Agroforestry (2006–2007), will take on this new role after receiving the support of 83% of the university’s faculty and student community. As dean, he will lead the academic programs in Agricultural Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, and Animal Science and Livestock Industry Engineering, promoting a vision centered on innovation, research, and internationalization.

For Martínez, studying at CATIE marked a turning point in both his professional and personal development.

"My time at CATIE marked a before and after in my academic and methodological perspective. The scientific rigor of its faculty and laboratories provided the foundation that later enabled me to lead research on Bolivia’s native cacao and identify unique native genetic resources found nowhere else in the world. In addition, my education strengthened my ability to manage agroforestry projects, understand the challenges of climate change, and lead multidisciplinary teams. Without a doubt, these tools will be essential as I take on this new challenge as dean."

His professional career includes key leadership positions within the Bolivian public sector, including Executive Director of the National Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Innovation (INIAF) and the Decentralized Public Institution for Food Sovereignty (IPDSA), where he promoted initiatives focused on agricultural innovation, food security, and sustainable rural development.

According to Luis Pocasangre, Director General of CATIE, Windson July Martínez’s appointment reflects the impact of CATIE’s Graduate School in preparing leaders who are driving change in their countries.

"We are proud to see our graduates taking on leadership positions and placing their knowledge at the service of their communities and the region. Windson’s appointment as dean reflects CATIE’s commitment to academic excellence grounded in science, innovation, and sustainable development. Through our Graduate School, we will continue educating professionals capable of transforming agrifood systems and addressing the major environmental and social challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean," he said, while also congratulating the new dean.

Beyond technical knowledge, Martínez emphasized that his experience at CATIE enabled him to develop a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development and the role professionals play in transforming territories.

"To current and future students, I would say: make the most of every moment of your experience at CATIE. A graduate degree offers much more than technical knowledge—it broadens your perspective, allows you to build an international network of colleagues, and prepares you to become the leaders our communities and our planet need. Never stop researching, proposing new ideas, and innovating."

For nearly eight decades, CATIE’s Graduate School has educated professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean committed to research, innovation, and sustainable development. Its academic programs combine academic excellence, hands-on experience, and an international perspective to prepare the next generation of leaders in agrifood systems transformation and sustainable natural resource management.

CATIE is currently accepting applications for its online master’s programs, which will begin classes in September 2026, as well as for its international on-campus master’s programs, with the next intake scheduled for March 2027.

Interested applicants can explore the full academic offer at https://www.catie.ac.cr/cual-es-nuestra-oferta-academica/ or receive personalized assistance via WhatsApp: https://wa.me/50625282115.