By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–CETYS University hosted its inaugural town hall in downtown San Diego, bringing together academics, business leaders, and philanthropists from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss cross-border collaboration in education, research, and workforce development.
The event, held at UC San Diego Park and Market, was led by Dr. Fernando León García, president of the CETYS University System in Baja California. He was joined by CETYS executives, members of the Board of the Northwest Educational Institute, and local government representatives.
During the town hall, CETYS outlined its goal of strengthening its role as a partner in the growth of the Cali-Baja region, focusing on education, research, and cultural exchange. The university emphasized its efforts to prepare competitive graduates and foster connections with industries in both countries.
CETYS, which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, is the only Mexican institution with this accreditation, aligning it with universities such as UC San Diego and the University of San Diego.
Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of regional cooperation.
“CETYS University has served the Cali-Baja region for the past 60 years, providing education and workforce training that benefit both sides of the border,” said Richard Kiy, director of the Institute of the Americas at the University of San Diego.
Suzanne Walsh, president of City University of Seattle, noted the institution’s long-standing partnership through a dual-degree program and said discussions are underway to expand the collaboration to include the Pacific Northwest.
“This is a great opportunity to have a 20-year relationship with CETYS through our Mexico-United States Dual Degree program is a long time to celebrate cross-border connections,” said Suzanne Walsh, President of City University of Seattle. “An expansion is being considered for the future, which will connect not only San Diego but also the Pacific Northwest.”
CETYS officials reported that the university has more than 43,000 graduates and an employability rate above 90%. The institution continues to advance a flexible, humanistic educational model aimed at developing leaders capable of creating sustainable regional impact.
The 2025 town hall also served as a forum to strengthen relationships with alumni and explore new partnerships in Southern California focused on education, innovation, and cross-border development.
