CIW Welcomes New Rector

Centro Universitario Incarnate Word (CIW) in Mexico City is pleased to welcome Dr. Maria Fabiola Iturbide Ruiz as its new Rector. She officially assumed the position in an Investiture Ceremony held June 26 during CIW 2024 graduation.

Dr. Iturbide Ruiz comes to the Incarnate Word family with 30 years of experience in higher education at different prestigious universities, teaching subjects mainly in the areas of Administration, Human Resources and Strategic Planning. She holds a bachelor's degree in administration, a master's degree in education and a PhD in Family Education. She is also a certified academic in Administration by the National Association of Faculties of Accounting and Administration Schools of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). 

Over the past 27 years, Iturbide Ruiz has collaborated with the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. She began this long journey at the Miguel Angel Institute in Mexico City, a sponsored ministry of the Sisters, where she devoted nine years to the mission and charism of the Sisters and service to the community at different educational levels.

Eighteen years ago, Iturbide Ruiz was invited to be part of Centro Universitario Incarnate Word as the academic director. During her leadership she implemented several national and international academic projects and ensured academic excellence.

She has represented CIW for over ten years as the Regional Coordinator of Knowledge Marathons for Zone Seven of the National Association of Accounting and Administration Faculties and Schools (ANFECA). Her work with ANFECA involves coordinating students from different higher education institutions in the organization’s “knowledge marathons” in the areas of administration, marketing, international business, human resources, tax and accounting.

During the pandemic, she was a part of the Network of Higher Education Authorities under the leadership of the Advisor for Strategic Programs and Projects of the Mexico City Government.

Iturbide Ruiz also represented the women of Mexico City in the signing of the National Agreement for the economic empowerment of women through entrepreneurship at UNAM.

Since 2022, she has worked in the Incarnate Word Regional Office as Executive Vice Rector for Academic Affairs, Latin America Region, coordinating and supervising the standardization of processes in the Mexico campuses and the liaison with different areas of UIW, as well as directing the academic area of Global Online, the university’s online program for Mexico and Latin America.

She is currently a member of the Core Advisory Council at UIW’s San Antonio campus.

With strong roots in the Catholic faith, she stands out for her deep commitment to family and congregational values, educational excellence, gender equity, advocating for equal opportunities and women's recognition in society.

Upon officially being installed as Rector, Iturbide Ruiz shared with the community, “For 27 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work for the charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have contributed from the beginning of CIW. Working hand in hand with the rectors who have been at the forefront of CIW and a group of committed people, we have laid the foundations for a solid edifice in higher education. To the entire university community, I want to express my most sincere gratitude. Together we form the soul of this university.”