LOS BAÑOS, Laguna – Dr. Karen Joyce G. Cayamanda was formally appointed by the UP Board of Regents as ad interim Vice Chancellor for Administration of University of the Philippines Mindanao effective 1 September 2020.
Dr. Cayamanda took her PhD in Development Studies at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) and was a recipient of the SEARCA PhD Research Scholarship. Prior to this, she took her BA and MA Communication Arts degree in the same institution. Upon graduation, Dr. Cayamanda first served as University Research Associate I in UPLB working on architectural forms of Laguna and "Rituals and dances of the Tagbanua and Tao't-Bato of Palawan."
Through SEARCA's scholarship during her PhD studies, Dr. Cayamanda's research on "Risk Communication Management for Flood Vulnerable Communities of Davao City, Southern Philippines" was recognized in 2019 by the College of Public Affairs and Development (CPAf) with the Best Dissertation Award.
Currently, Dr. Cayamanda is an Associate Professor for the BA Communication and Media Arts (BACMA) program and formerly the Chair of the Humanities Department, College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Cayamanda also served UP Mindanao in different capacities through the years such as BACA Program Coordinator from 1999-2000 and OIC of the Humanities Department in 1999, CHSS College Secretary from 2000-2005, University Registrar from 2005-2013 and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs from 2013-2015.
SEARCA continues to support professionals in pursuing their graduate studies and professional training in fields relevant to its priority thrusts on Accelerating Transformation Through Agricultural Innovation (ATTAIN). The Center also constantly seeks new partnerships to provide joint scholarships to address issues relevant to agriculture and rural development.