Juan Manuel Garcia Samaniego
(1)Director of Institutional Evaluation and Quality, (2) Coordinator of the White Paper on Bioeconomy of Ecuador.
Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL)
Juan Manuel García Samaniego is an academic and professional with over 24 years of experience in university teaching, educational quality management, and the design, evaluation, and management of projects in the core functions of higher education. He is currently the Director of Institutional Evaluation and Quality at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL). He has held significant positions, including President of the Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES) of Ecuador and External Accreditor for the National Accreditation Council (CNA) of Colombia and the Quality Accreditation Agency in Education (EQUAA). García Samaniego holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), a Master's in Sustainable Development Management from the Catholic University of Temuco, Chile, and a Bachelor's in Economics from UTPL. He also has a Master's in Educational Quality Evaluation, Management, and Direction from the University of Seville, Spain.
He has served in key roles such as Director of the Biological and Biomedical Area at UTPL, President of the Interventive Commission for Institutional Strengthening (CIFI) for the National University of Loja (UNL), and Director of the School of Economics and the Institute of Economic Research at UTPL. García Samaniego has authored several books and scientific publications indexed in SCOPUS and Latindex, focusing on economics, environment, ecology, trade, industry, and productivity. He has led over 20 projects in education, business, and bioeconomy. He has taught courses, seminars, and webinars in Mexico, Brazil, Canada, and Spain. His research focuses on environmental perceptions, bioeconomy, public policy, and circular economy. Among his distinctions are scholarships from the SENESCYT Program for doctoral studies at UNAM and the University of York for master's studies at the Catholic University of Temuco.
Juan Manuel García Samaniego was born in Loja, Ecuador, in 1974. He is married and has been celebrating 30 years of marriage. He is the father of two sons, Juan Manuel and Pedro Sebastián. He is a devout Catholic, enjoys spending time with animals, and has a passion for football, running, and practicing Tae Kwon Do.
García Samaniego is an esteemed academic and professional with over 24 years of experience in university teaching, educational quality management, and the design, evaluation, and management of projects in the core functions of higher education. He is currently the Director of Institutional Evaluation and Quality at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL). Throughout his career, has held several significant positions that highlight his commitment to improving educational standards. He served as President of the Higher Education Quality Assurance Council (CACES) of Ecuador, leading key initiatives to enhance educational quality across the nation. His expertise has also been recognized internationally; he has served as an External Accreditor for the National Accreditation Council (CNA) of Colombia and the Quality Accreditation Agency in Education (EQUAA), contributing significantly to the evaluation and accreditation processes of educational institutions in Colombia and Ecuador. He has been part of accreditation teams for prestigious institutions such as the Pontificia Universidad Bolivariana de Medellín in Colombia and ECOTEC in Ecuador.
In his extensive career at UTPL, García Samaniego has served in critical roles, including Director and Deputy Director of the Biological and Biomedical Area, and Director of the School of Economics and the Institute of Economic Research. Beyond UTPL, he has also worked with other prominent universities in Ecuador, such as UEES, UTN, UNL, and ESPOCH. García Samaniego has led more than 20 projects in the fields of education, business, and bioeconomy. His research interests include environmental perceptions, bioeconomy, public policy, and circular economy.
Juan Manuel García Samaniego is a passionate advocate of bioeconomy and circular economy. His well-rounded personal and professional life showcases his dedication and commitment to both his family and his field.
mgarcia@utpl.edu.ec