Celebrating the Investiture of our sixth president, Nelson E. Soto, PhD
Nelson E. Soto, PhD
Presidential Investiture
The Presidential Investiture is an academic ceremony that symbolizes the pursuit of knowledge, which is the essence of an institution of higher education. With this official act, the tradition is to make a formal transfer of authority to the figure who assumes the reins of Albizu University. Colleagues, faculty, staff members and representatives of other institutions will accompany the new President in this ceremony. Other members of the academic community and special guests will also be part of the ceremony and wish our President success in his journey.
Dr. Nelson E. Soto
Dr. Nelson E. Soto was named the sixth president of Albizu University in August 2022. Dr. Soto is a visionary leader committed to ensuring that all people have access to higher education and opportunities to improve their lives and those of their families. He has extensive experience in external fund management, program development in higher education, and collaboration with faculty and administrators.
Born and raised in Ohio, of Puerto Rican descent, Dr. Soto came to Albizu University after concluding his duties as chancellor and vice president for academic affairs at Union Institute & University in Cincinnati. Previously, he worked at Harrison College, Indianapolis, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, the University of Missouri-Columbia, and the University of Cincinnati, University College. Dr. Soto holds a Ph.D. degree in Policy Studies from Indiana University, and an M.A. in Education and B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati.
He lives in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, and is married to Dr. Ana Baratta with whom he has two children, Daniel, 12, and Nicole, 10.
100 days: Listening to Lead
For President Soto, leadership begins with involvement. During his first 100 days, Dr. Soto took the time to talk with faculty, support staff, community leaders, alumni and students. During those conversations, he understood that there is a need to cultivate alumni relations, strengthen community relations, promote consistency across campuses, seek greater efficiencies in processes, promote entrepreneurship and find ways to address the needs of students and the community.
In support of students and alumni, it was possible to identify $1.2 million to forgive student debt owed directly to the University. The president also wanted to honor those who dedicated their time to the emergency mental health response and post-disaster interventions conducted through Albizu's clinics and community outreach efforts. Through the Albizu's special fund, $210,000 has been allocated to support mental health services and provide assistance to affected students, employees and community members.
The president has also worked to implement best practices among Albizu locations in critical areas such as student services, tuition and financial aid. Another priority for him is to expand the University beyond its local boundaries through the Albizu Global initiative. The president continues to work on other initiatives to unify services and form a holistic university experience.
After participating in more than a thousand conversations, the president has come to understand a great reality. The Albizu community is one dedicated and committed to contributing its time, passion, talent and expertise to forge an ever more perfect Albizu University.
Events Calendar
Thursday
February 23
Student Celebration
10:00 - 11:00 am
Breakfast with the President
Lobby of the San Juan Campus
151 calle de la Tanca
Old San Juan
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Lunch with the president
Lobby of the San Juan Campus
151 calle de la Tanca
Old San Juan
Friday
February 24
Investiture Ceremony
1:00pm - 2:00 pm
Welcome Cocktail 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Second level balcony, San Juan Campus
151 calle de la Tanca
Old San Juan
2:00 – 4:00 pm
Investiture Ceremony*
Auditorium of San Juan Campus
*by invitation only
Friday
February 24
Investiture Dinner
6:00 pm
La Casona Restaurant
609 C. San Jorge
San Juan
*by invitation only
Invest in the future of our society: support scholarships for students of Albizu University.
Invest in the Future of Our Community: Support Scholarships for Albizu University Students
Albizu University is dedicated to providing a high-quality education to students from all walks of life. We believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and resources they need to succeed, regardless of their financial background.
However, despite our efforts, the cost of tuition and related expenses can still be a barrier for many students who are eager to pursue their dreams. That’s why we’re launching this campaign to support scholarships for Albizu University students.
Your donation will go directly to providing critical support to students in need. By investing in their education, you’re giving them the opportunity to achieve their full potential and make a positive impact on our community.
Whether you’re an alum, a parent, a friend, or just someone who believes in the power of education, you can make a difference. Every contribution, no matter how small, will help us reach our goal of providing meaningful support to as many students as possible.
Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in the future of our community. Please donate to Albizu University scholarships today and help us provide a brighter tomorrow for students.
Guest lodging
We have secured a number of rooms at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel for the President’s Investiture.
Guests can make reservations online, call the hotel direct at or contact with the code by February to receive a discounted rated of x a night.
How to get to the campus
Albizu University is located in Old San Juan, 8.1 miles from the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
Thanks to our committee
Aileen N. Ortiz Negrón
Executive Director, Office of the president
Diani Nevares Parras
Development Director
Isamarie Cruz Fonseca
Facilities Manager
San Juan Campus
Tania David Jiménez
Administration Manager
San Juan Campus
Rochely Escalante-Santana
Special Aide to the Chancellor and Academic Directors
San Juan Campus
Carmen García
Director of Human Resources and Administration
Miami Campus
Karla López
Chief Marketing Officer
Natalia Tirado
Executive Assistant, Office of the president
Program
- Academic Procession
- National Anthems
- Invocation
Apóstol Alexis Ayala - Message from the Student Council President
- Message from the Faculty Representative
Dra. Minoshka Liquet
Directora del Programa
Psicología Clínica - Message from the Board of Trustees
Sra. Teresa Bolívar
Presidenta
- Message from the Guest Speaker
Dra. Margarita Benítez
Special Advisor
Universidad de Puerto Rico - Musical Selection
- Biography
- Investiture and Oath-Taking
- Acceptance Speech from the President
Dr. Nelson E. Soto - Final Blessing
Apóstol Alexis Ayala - Closing Ceremony
Support our Scholarships
Albizu University will honor the investiture of Dr. Nelson E. Soto by supporting undergraduate and graduate scholarships for students with financial need. To welcome our sixth president, we invite you to make your donation today in support of our student scholarships.
