Montemorelos University (UM) honored Ismael Castillo as he concluded a chapter of institutional leadership that shaped the university’s academic, spiritual, and human development. Just months before completing his tenure as president, UM awarded him the “Israel Leito Medal of Merit” in recognition of his 39 years of service and his leadership legacy that transformed the institution's trajectory.

The award was presented on May 19, 2026, during a graduation ceremony for faculty and support staff participating in the university’s Professional Development Institute, held shortly after the institution’s commencement exercises.

The ceremony served as a collective tribute to nearly four decades of leadership marked by academic expansion, institutional strengthening, and a people-centered vision.

“The University Council has decided to award him the ‘Israel Leito’ Medal of Merit in recognition of his administrative career, compassionate leadership, and commitment to institutional human development,” said Judith Ayala, academic vice president, as she read the resolution approved by the council.

University leaders said those qualities have defined Castillo’s leadership for nearly four decades. Rolando Vega, vice president for student affairs, described his educational vision as one built on “faith, humility, and love for people.”

“Leading a Christian university means caring for people,” Vega said. “It means listening, accompanying, mentoring, correcting with love, and believing in the potential God has placed in every life.”

A legacy of growth

When Castillo assumed the presidency in 1987, Montemorelos University was already celebrating its 45th anniversary. Under his leadership, however, the institution experienced one of the most significant periods of growth and consolidation in its history.

Over nearly four decades, UM steadily expanded its academic offerings, strengthened national and international accreditation processes, enhanced strategic infrastructure, and broadened its educational and missionary influence both within Mexico and abroad.

During Castillo’s tenure, the university launched dozens of undergraduate, master’s, specialist, and doctoral programs in education, health sciences, business, engineering, theology, psychology, communication, architecture, and law.

Castillo’s administration also implemented major curricular reforms designed to integrate professional preparation with spiritual formation and human development. Among them were the 2000 curriculum reform built around the pillars of “Relationship with God,” “Professional Preparation,” and “Preparation for Life”; the competency-based educational model introduced in 2010; and the “Diamond Model,” established in 2018.

Institutional growth and international recognition

Under Castillo’s leadership, UM strengthened its academic reputation through national and international accreditations and recognitions. The institution obtained and renewed accreditation from organizations including FIMPES, the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA), COMACE, and CONAEM, while also joining academic associations such as ANUIES and ALAFEC.

In 2013, the university received recognition from COPAES for being among the leading institutions in the state with academically accredited programs.

At the same time, UM expanded its international presence through extension programs in countries including Venezuela, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Chile, Romania, Angola, and El Salvador.

Infrastructure for a vision of the future

Castillo’s administration also oversaw a significant transformation of the university campus and its service facilities.

During his tenure, the university developed specialized laboratories, research centers, expanded clinical facilities, cultural spaces, academic buildings, and innovation projects. Among the most notable were the Engineering Research and Innovation Center (III), the Data Science Institute, FABLAB UM, the Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation Center for Learning (CIIMA), the Geriatric Center, and the Institute for Chemical, Biomolecular, and Bio-Dental Research.

Meanwhile, La Carlota Adventist Hospital expanded its clinical services, operating rooms, and community outreach centers, strengthening both medical training and service to the surrounding community.

The creation of spaces such as the Founders’ Walk, the University Museum, and the Center for Creationism also reflected an ongoing commitment to preserving the institution’s identity and strengthening its Adventist worldview.

A vision centered on mission and service

During the medal presentation ceremony, university leaders and employees emphasized that Castillo’s administration was consistently characterized by a focus on people, educational mission, and service.

During Castillo’s tenure, the university expanded community service initiatives, preventive health programs, cross-cultural mission projects, and spiritual formation activities integrated into its educational model. To date, the institution reports that more than 3,000 students have been trained for cross-cultural mission service, and more than 350 missionaries have been sent from UM to serve in 63 countries around the world.

Montemorelos University has also received certifications and recognition related to health promotion, compassion, and community well-being. In 2017, the university was certified as a “Compassionate University” by Charter for Compassion International.

University leaders said that emphasis on mission, service, and people best reflects Castillo’s legacy. They described the “Israel Leito Medal of Merit” as more than a recognition of administrative achievement, calling it a tribute to the lasting impact his leadership has had on generations of students, faculty, and staff.

University leaders said Castillo leaves behind a legacy reflected not only in the university’s growth and international influence, but also in the generations of students, faculty, and church leaders shaped by its mission.

Brenda Cerón contributed to this article. The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.