On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the conferment of the rank of Associate Professor on Juan O. Mesquida, Ph.D., effective 11 January 2023.

Dr. Mesquida received his Licentiate in History and Geography (1981) from the University of Oviedo in Spain. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in History (2005) from the University of Santo Tomas. His dissertation was entitled “A Historical Study of the Institutional, Economic and Social Aspects of the Misericordia of Manila, 1594-1898." Subsequently, Dr. Mesquida has published widely on this important institution established during the Spanish colonial period, which had counterparts in other parts of the Iberian world. Thus, he is acknowledged as the expert on the topic both by local and foreign historians.

From 1991 to 2005, Dr. Mesquida worked part-time, teaching Fine Arts, Art History, and Civilization courses. Upon obtaining his doctoral degree, he became a dedicated full-time faculty member of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). He was appointed Chair of the History Department from 2010 to 2011 and Vice Dean for Research from 2011 to 2012. He also served as the CAS OpCom Secretary (2012-2016), with research as his primary oversight responsibility. Two of the important projects he carried out to promote the culture of research in CAS were the revival of the CAS Review (the official research publication of CAS) and of the CAS Research Colloquium, as well as the creation of systems to promote research production and review in CAS. He has also trained many Humanities students in historiography, introducing them to the theory and practice of history.

Dr. Mesquida’s prestige in the field of history, not only in the Philippines but also in the USA, Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, is evidenced by his publications in top-rated international indexed journals, citations of his publications, and invitations from reputable journals to write blind-peer reviews. His remarkable record of conference participation, both local and international, has made him an esteemed member of the community of historians.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Juan Mesquida on his promotion and in supporting him as he assumes the duties and responsibilities of Associate Professor of UA&P.

Dr. Winston Conrad B. Padojinog
President
University of Asia and the Pacific