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Bukidnon State University is located in the capital town of Malaybalay City, Bukidnon and is strategically positioned to serve Region 10, the CARAGA Region and other outlaying cities and provinces of Mindanao. It is one of the leading educational institutions serving the people not only in Mindanao but also the country in general. The following series of milestones became evolutionary decades in the history of the College.
First decade: 1924-1934
Bukidnon State University was founded as the Bukidnon Provincial High School (BPHS) in 1924. Aside from its secondary education, the school also offered educational courses geared toward the training of elementary school teachers. In October 1927, it acquired a 6.02-hectare land area, on which most of the present school buildings are constructed. In the succeeding year, BPHS was renamed the Bukidnon Normal School.
Second decade: 1934-1944
The Commonwealth government mandated the Bukidnon Normal School (BNS) to carry out its task of “developing moral character, personal discipline, civic conscience, and vocational efficiency.” However, the school had to close during World War II, on December 9, 1941, even as it was making a slight headway towards acquiring collegiate status.
Third decade: 1944-1954
The BNS reopened on September 1, 1945. Classes were held in Army tents at the provincial capitol grounds in Malaybalay and in private homes. Nipa-roofed buildings served as classrooms in 1947 until new, semi-permanent structures were built from war damage claims on February 11, 1950, and from ICA-NEC funds in 1957. Mr. Pacifico A. Ramos assumed his post as principal. The secondary curriculum was phased out to give way to the two-year special education courses starting in the school year 1952-53.
Fourth decade: 1954-1964
This era was marked by the shedding of outmoded curricula. Thus, the total phase-out of the secondary course was done in 1956, and the two-year special curricula were discontinued in the following year. Kindergarten classes were opened. Graduate studies began in 1960 and were carried out in external study centers located in neighboring towns and provinces. The BNS became an independent school division, and the administrator was granted the rank of superintendent in 1961.
Fifth decade: 1964-1974
Congressmen Carlos Fortich and Benjamin Tabios attempted to elevate the school’s status into a national teacher’s college. In June 1971, the Bachelor of Science in Secondary School Education was offered, and the high school training department was also added. The Bukidnon Normal School was renamed Bukidnon Normal College in 1972.
Sixth decade: 1974-1984
The first master’s graduate was produced in 1975. Dr. Jaime M. Gellor succeeded Supt. Ramos in May 1976. With the issuance of P.D. 944, the Bukidnon Normal College was converted into Bukidnon State College (BSC) on June 14, 1976. Dr. Gellor was appointed as the first president of the school on April 21, 1977. More permanent buildings were constructed.
Seventh decade: 1984-1994
Continuing infrastructure build-up was made. In 1986, Dr. Teresita T. Tumapon was appointed as the second president of BSC. More course offerings and organizational restructuring occurred. The new administration also pushed for more development projects.
1994-1998
As the school entered its eighth decade, Dr. Tumapon strived to realize her vision for an innovative college. Linkages with external and internal groups were strengthened. Programs on Information Technology and Instructional Systems Design were introduced.
1999 to 2007
Dr. Victor M. Barroso was appointed as the third BSC President. He immediately mobilized his new team members to institute significant changes in the academic and administrative aspects of the college, which promised a continuing development to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
2007 to 2015
The institution obtained university status with Republic Act 9456, converting BSC to Bukidnon State University (BukSU), signed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Dr. Victor M. Barroso was inaugurated as the first BukSU President, a vision fulfilled when he applied for the presidency in 1999. Rigorous improvements were aligned to address the global perspective of the university.
2015 to 2022
Dr. Oscar B. Cabañelez assumed office as the fourth president of Bukidnon State University on January 13, 2015. Under his dynamic leadership, BukSU has fervently pursued its aspiration to become a preeminent higher education institution, amassing a host of prestigious accolades and recognitions from esteemed organizations. The university has notably achieved ISO 9001 certifications, leveled up the AACCUP accreditations for numerous academic programs, and earned the coveted Philippine Quality Awards. Dr. Cabañelez’s tenure has also witnessed significant infrastructure developments, including the establishment of the Annex Campus and the expansion of the university’s reach through the creation of 15 satellite campuses.
2022 – 2023
Following the retirement of Dr. Cabanelez, the Commission on Higher Education appointed Atty. Ryan L. Estevez as the officer in charge of BukSU. His brief four-month tenure was dedicated to ensuring the uninterrupted provision of university services, particularly during the challenging period of COVID-19 recovery, while the university conducted its search for the next university president.
2023 – Present
On February 14, 2023, Dr. Joy M. Mirasol was inducted as the fifth president of Bukidnon State University. Dr. Mirasol’s vision for BukSU revolves around the concept of a forward-looking institution, referred to as “Smart BukSU,” designed to elevate the overall experience, efficiency, and quality of education. Smart BukSU is guided by six key development goals: 1) Smart Campus, 2) Smart Education, 3) Smart Research, Development, and Extension, 4) Smart Governance, 5) Smart Students, and 6) Smart Workforce.
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