When leadership is rooted in faith and vision, transformation follows. Dr. Dennis C. De Paz, the 4th University President of Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), embodies this truth. Since his investiture on December 3, 2021, Dr. De Paz has been hailed as the “Man of the Hour,” a leader who not only preserved EVSU’s proud traditions but has also set a dynamic course towards excellence and global engagement.

With a PhD in Education, specializing in Educational Programs Management, and an impressive background in Statistics and Research, Dr. de Paz brings both academic rigor and practical insight to his leadership. The investiture was more than a ceremonial milestone- it was a testament to the respect and admirations he commands, not only from the university community but from the wider academic and political spheres of Region VIII. As a president , he became the guiding force behind all six EVSU campuses: Main, Tanauan, Burauen, Dulag, Carigara, and Ormoc.

During his tenure as University President, Dr. de Paz spearheaded the launch of EVSU as the first SMART university in Region VIII, upgrading key facilities such as the Health and Wellness Building and perimeter security systems. The university achieved recognition for resource efficiency, utilizing over 55% of its annual budget by midyear and aligning projects with national sustainability goals. He prioritized faculty growth, which led to a notable increase in publication citations, and oversaw strategic appointments, including the designation of the first head of university’s Materials and Energy Innovation Center (MEIC).

Further advancing international partnerships, EVSU became the first state university in the region to collaborate with ASEZ WAO, an international volunteer group dedicated to sustainable development and environmental advocacy. EVSU also participated in the Global Education Conclave 2025 in India, and completed a Digital Leadership Certificate from the Wharton School. The university also earned two Platinum Awards from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) in March 2022 and March 2024, the highest recognition for its Innovation and Technology Support Office (ITSO). A major milestone came on November 3, 2023, when EVSU joined the Asia Technology University Network (ATU-Net), an elite circle of institutions advancing engineering and technology education in Asia.

Dr. de Paz concludes his first term as president of Eastern Visayas State University with a legacy of purpose-driven leadership and transformative progress. Central to his administration was the transition from ONE EVSU 1.0 to ONE EVSU 2.0, a shift signified the university’s development plan.

He has laid a solid foundation proving that true leadership is not measured by promises made but by the milestones achieved. What began as a unifying call for one dream, hope, university evolved into vision, action, community.

Building on his legacy, EVSU continues to move forward for a stronger today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Article by Kyla De Paz