The Andalusian government and the academic community mourn the loss of José Carlos Gómez Villamandos, the current acting head of the Ministry of Universities and Innovation of the Junta de Andalucía, who died this Tuesday at the age of 63. The minister, originally from Córdoba, succumbed to cancer, against which he had been undergoing discreet treatment for the past two years.
Despite his delicate health, Gómez Villamandos actively participated in the recent Andalusian election campaign on May 17th, as part of the PP's candidacy for Córdoba. His passing occurs on a significant day for his department, coinciding with the start of the Selectividad (university entrance exams) for thousands of Andalusian students. In recent days, the worsening of his illness had already led the Minister of Educational Development to cover his appearances related to these university access tests.
During his tenure, which began on July 16, 2022, Gómez Villamandos promoted the expansion of the university degree map in Andalucía, adapting it to labor market demands with new degrees such as Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. Under his leadership, a new University Law was approved, modernizing campuses, requiring a B2 level of languages for degrees and research staff, and guaranteeing a 99% tuition fee discount for students who complete all credits.
His management was also characterized by a financing agreement with public Andalusian universities and the approval of two new private universities: CEU Fernando III and the Universidad Tecnológica Atlántico-Mediterráneo (Utamed). He expanded the Medicine degree offerings across all Andalusian universities, both public and private.
“"Our hearts are broken. Today we have lost José Carlos Gómez Villamandos, a great person, a good, intelligent, and hardworking man, immensely generous, who dedicated his life to the University. We will miss you dearly. Thank you for everything, minister, colleague, and friend."
The Law on Science in Andalucía remains pending, its final processing interrupted by the dissolution of Parliament and the call for elections. Gómez Villamandos was recognized for his negotiating and dialoguing approach, earning respect across the political spectrum, even from the opposition.
Born in Córdoba in 1962, Gómez Villamandos held a PhD in Veterinary Medicine and was a Professor of Anatomy and Comparative Pathological Anatomy. Before his political role, he served as rector of the University of Córdoba (UCO) from 2014. His academic career included the Extraordinary Degree Award and teaching at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, as well as various management positions at UCO.
His death marks the second loss of a minister under President Juanma Moreno, recalling the passing of Javier Imbroda, Minister of Education, in April 2022, also from cancer.
