Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) proudly celebrates our University President, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, for being named First (1st) Runner-Up in the Internationalization Leadership Award at the recently concluded Internationalization Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability (ICONS) Awards 2025, organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on December 10.
The prestigious recognition honors leaders who shape the future of Philippine Higher Education, demonstrating transformative vision, ethical and strategic governance, and creating lasting, meaningful impact. Dr. Ochotorena exemplifies these qualities, as her visionary leadership has propelled WMSU’s internationalization initiatives, including the strategic partnerships with UCLA and COILtura y Artes virtual mobility program, summer courses on AI in Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada, providing faculty and students with invaluable global exposure, resilience, humility, and a development-driven mindset that continually elevates the university on the world stage.
The University was recognized as one of the exemplary Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for its notable performance in international rankings, placing 1501+ in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 and 156th in the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) 2025, where WMSU has been included since 2023. This achievement further strengthens its commitment to internationalization and sustainability.
Enhorabuena, Dr. Ochotorena! Enhorabuena, WMSU!
