The Board of Directors of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Foundation duly appointed Central Philippines State University (CPSU) – International Affairs and Linkages Office (IALO) Director Dr. Joe-an Mae G. Escober as a WURI Mentor.

 Dr. Escober received the Certificate of Appointment issued on January 30, 2026, signed by WURI Foundation Board of Directors Chair Mr. Dong-Sung Cho.

 Through the appointment, Dr. Escober is “authorized and entrusted to provide guidance and support to universities in the preparation and submission of innovation cases, in alignment with the mission and standards of WURI."

 “I am honored and grateful to have been selected as one of the thirty-four Certified WURI Mentors in universities worldwide. This recognition is both a privilege and a responsibility to share expertise, support innovation, and contribute to meaningful impact across higher education communities. This is also in response to our commitment to support the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) International Affairs’ call to help other institutions to uplift Philippine higher education. Thank you to WURI for the trust and confidence that I can do more. To my institution and colleagues for the continued support and above all, to You, oh LORD, thank you. I am looking forward to mentoring, learning, and collaborating with fellow innovators around the world! This is for you, my beloved CPSU,” said Director Escober.

 According to its official website, WURI “assesses higher education institutions’ (HEIs) real contributions to industry and society, highlighting innovative education, research, and engagement to society” and it “aims to spotlight HEIs that excel in these innovative approaches, thereby inspiring advancements across the academic and societal landscape.

 CPSU ranked 105th in the 2025 edition of the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI), under the “Global Top 400 Innovative Universities” and bagged (1) Rank 14 – Entrepreneurial Spirit; (2) Rank 17 – Crisis Management; and (3) Rank 38 – Funding for Sustainability, worldwide.