A reseacher, teacher, and scholar with over 30 years of diversified experience in the Philippines and abroad.

These attributes of MMSU President Shirley Agrupis made her a rockstar in the country's research circle. And because of these, she was chosen by the The Ilocos Times as one of the 10 most outstanding Ilocanos for 2020.

The Ilocos Times is a long running local community paper in Ilocos Norte. Every year, the local paper chooses Outstanding Ilocanos and groups "who exemplify the great Ilocano spirit through a certain work or advocacy.”

Before joining MMSU in 2000, she was a Science Research Specialist at the National Tobacco Administration (1985-1999) where she pioneered alternative uses of tobacco as particleboard, pulp, and paper materials.

At MMSU, she rose through the ranks to become full Professor in 2012. As director for external affairs and partnership, MMSU became a destination of choice for international scholars and scientists. In 2017, she was elected as 7th MMSU president, the first alumna of the university to hold the post.

Dr. Agrupis, who obtained her doctorate degree in a Japan University and conducted postgraduate research fellowships in the United States, envisions the MMSU to become a premier Philippine university when it turns 50 in 2028. 

She crafted her 7-POINT development agenda dubbed ACHIEVE : 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 encouraging, culturally-focused university campus; and Effective and efficient management.

With her phenomenal rise, she has always the heart and eyes to look back where she came from-a poor, farming community in Aparri, Cagayan. Her successful work in bioethanol research and developmentis aimed at improving the lives of the small-scale nipa farmers through their integration in the mainstream bioethanol industry. 

Her work on bioethanol production led to the establishment of the National Bioenergy Research and Innovation Center based at MMSU. The Center coordinates bioenergy research conducted by universities and agencies around the country.

Dr. Agrupis served as President of the Fulbright -Philippine Agriculture Alumni Association. It is during her Presidency where the Farmers' Technology Forum was instituted in different places in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Here, the technology need of the community are addressed.

The multitude of awards she has harvested includes the William D. Dar Research Leadership Award given last year by the Philippine Association of Research Managers, Inc.