UCR Elects First Female Rector

YAMILETH González was namedthe first woman rector of the Universityof Costa Rica in its 64-year history lastFriday, after a decisive victory over theother three candidates.González, 57, currently the vice rectorof the university, earned 50.8 % ofthe vote in the April 23 election, LaNación reported.González, who holds a doctorate inhistorical sciences, plans to focus herleadership on administrative modernization,student life and how to prevent theretirement of professors from dramaticallyaffecting the university.She will assume her post May 19,replacing Gabriel Macaya, who is leavingthe position after eight years.The position also includes a seat onthe National Rectors Council(CONARE),which is formed by the four state universities.Less than 50% of the 2,019 peopleallowed to vote in the UCR electionexercised that right.