By Jesslyn Keith Valite

Mariano Marcos State University celebrated the transformative leadership of its seventh president, Dr. Shirley C. Agrupis, during the ACHIEVE Journey event on January 21 at Teatro Ilocandia. The occasion honored the milestones achieved during her seven-year tenure, from 2017 to 2024.

Dr. Agrupis reflected on her journey through the implementation of her seven-point agenda dubbed ACHIEVE. Each letter stands for Academic Excellence, Creative, Relevant and Innovative Research Programs, High Impact and Transformative Extension and Outreach Programs, Improved Revenue Generation and Resource Management, Expanded External Linkages and Partnerships, Vibrant and Engaging, Culturally-Focused University Campus, and Effective and Efficient Management.

Dr. Agrupis, now a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner, reflected on her administration’s efforts to position MMSU as a premier Philippine university by its golden year, 2028. “It is a journey we started together as we laid down our vision and goals.” 

Under her term, the university produced numerous topnotchers and enhanced performance in various licensure examinations, topped international university rankings, spearheaded the construction of infrastructure for instruction, research, and production, and achieved a Level IV institutional accreditation from the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, among other accomplishments.

Dr. Agrupis, as the first MMSU alumna to become a university president, has also received various awards from the Philippine Civil Service Commission Presidential Lingkod Bayan Regional Awards, Philippine Resilience Awards for Women, Philippine Association of Research Managers, Inc., ASEAN Philippine Higher Education International Champions of Nation-Building and Sustainability, National Academy of Science and Technology, and Department of Science and Technology.

MMSU OIC-President Prima Fe R. Franco lauded Dr. Agrupis for cultivating a culture of excellence within the university. “MMSU has thrived in many ways, influenced by a data-driven and excellent style of leadership.” 

The ACHIEVE Journey event was attended by her family, current and former university officials, local chief executives, employees, students, and top officials from 22 state universities and colleges (SUCs) under Commissioner Agrupis’ jurisdiction. National government agencies and industry partner representatives were also present during the celebration.

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, represented by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for Dr. Agrupis’ contributions to higher education in the province. He also urged the university’s administration to uphold excellence and continue to partner with the provincial government for inclusive and sustainable development. 

One of the event’s highlights was Dr. Agrupis' leading the launch of the ACHIEVE book, a comprehensive compilation of her presidency. The book features her administration’s successes and could serve as a guidebook for future university leaders.

As a CHED Commissioner challenged to extend her public service to a wider reach, she said she will forever bring the lessons from her presidency to her new role. “I shall remain true to the values I have imbibed from this university as a student and as a professional so that endeavor and every achievement shall redound to MMSU.”

The former president also brought 22 SUCs under her jurisdiction to the university for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the ACHIEVE Consortium, which is committed to advancing academic excellence, research, and development in higher education in the Philippines. 

Following the ACHIEVE Journey event, a retirement program was held honoring Dr. Agrupis for over 30 years of dedicated service as an administrator, researcher, mentor, and professor. Former and current university officials, students, and stakeholders shared their heartfelt testimonies working with Dr. Agrupis. They expressed their profound gratitude and appreciation for her contributions to the university and extended their best wishes for her new role at CHED.