Achievements, Visions, and Strategies for the Future: what can we expect from the new leadership of CATÓLICA-LISBON for the 2024-2027 Triennium?

To Filipe Santos, Dean of CATÓLICA-LISBON since February 2019 and now reappointed for a new term, the focus will be on "the development and consolidation of innovations launched in the previous term", such as the Centre for Sustainable Finance and the Family Business Platform, recent initiatives connecting the school to society. For this new triennium, we can also expect the enrollment of "the first students in our doctoral program, in addition to solidifying CATÓLICA-LISBON as the undisputed leader in the areas of sustainability and impact."

During his first term, Filipe Santos undoubtedly achieved significant milestones that helped consolidate CATÓLICA-LISBON's leadership in these areas.

Among his main accomplishments, the Dean highlighted the advancement of 10 positions in 4 years in the Financial Times Ranking, reaching the prestigious 22nd position; the development of an internal team for pedagogical innovation; the launch of a pioneering executive undergraduate model in Europe; the creation of Portugal's first executive master's degree in sustainability and the development of centers of excellence and projects that earned international awards, such as the Center for Responsible Business and Leadership, the Católica Lisbon Entrepreneurship Center, and the Yunus Social Innovation Center, which have developed mentorship projects, training generations capable of innovating for the common good.

In addition to Filipe Santos being reappointed as Dean, the members of the CATÓLICA-LISBON Executive Board for this triennium were also presented: Guilherme Almeida e Brito, Dean for Academic Affairs; Miguel Godinho de Matos, Dean for Faculty; Rita Coelho do Vale, Dean for Undergraduate Programs; Kyryl Lakishyk, Dean for Master Programs and Nuno Moreira da Cruz, Dean for Executive Education, succeeding Céline Abecassis-Moedas.

For Nuno Moreira da Cruz, his mission is to continue the excellent work of his predecessor. One of his goals is to strengthen the school's corporate offerings, aligning them with market needs and keeping the client experience as a priority. "I will carry with me the motto of the Center for Responsible Business & Leadership: 'Contributing to a society where only responsible businesses, managed by responsible leaders, exist.' The training of executives, both national and international, increasingly demands this and we will focus our efforts on this area. This purpose is part of the DNA of the Portuguese Catholic University and must continue to be a distinguishing factor in preparing executives," revealed Nuno Moreira da Cruz, who also mentioned that this transition will be marked by continuity.

"Executive Education is the future of education! The number of regular students is decreasing while the number of professionals over 50 who need to update or retrain is growing. The next phase for universities will be to embrace this change and, ideally, have multiple generations studying and working together. Imagine how incredible universities could be with students of multiple generations! This is the ultimate level of Lifelong Learning! Stay tuned, because Católica is today the first university in the world with a program in Longevity Leadership!" With these words, Céline Abecassis-Moedas emotionally bid farewell to her role as Director of Executive Education at CATÓLICA-LISBON, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, internationalization, and a strong commitment to lifelong learning. During her tenure, she renewed the offerings with 10 to 20% new annual programs, covering areas such as blockchain, agribusiness, AI, and longevity, strengthened international presence through partnerships with institutions like the Kellogg School of Management, and expanded the reach of the business school in the lusophone world.

Elevating the institution's standard of excellence even further, guided by a continued commitment to sustainability, internationalization and social impact, is the mission of this new Dean’s Office, which is enthusiastic about the upcoming triennium.

For Filipe Santos, the enthusiasm is "about the extraordinary people who are the foundation of the School and this community, with whom it is a pleasure to work every day to build the future." This future will also include significant investment in the headquarters of UCP in Lisbon – the Campus Veritati.

CATÓLICA-LISBON aims to pave a successful path, preparing current and future leaders to face global challenges with responsibility and innovation.