Remembering Dr. Augusto R. Nieves: The First President

Dr. Augusto R. Nieves (August 1, 1942 – October 21, 2023) was a former President of Sorsogon State College (SSC) – now the Sorsogon State University (SorSU).

He was appointed as SSC’s First President in November 23, 1995 by the Sorsogon State College Board of Trustees, ushering a new administration filled with aspirations for the College.

Before his term in SSC, he was the former Director of the Bureau of Technical and Vocational Education. He was the steady hand that set the direction for institutionalization of policies in the Institution and the shift from Trade School to a College through administrative and academic reforms.

Under Dr. Nieves’s helm, he instituted a number of academic and administrative programs that gradually placed SSC in the map of academic excellence and high administrative performance in the Bicol Region.

He pushed for enhancement and expansion of curriculum; open new undergraduate programs, and the School of Graduate Studies. His strategies for upgrading, enhancement and expansion spread from instruction, research, extension and production, which included Income Generating Project (IGP) to boost income productivity.

Dr. Nieves was also responsible for establishing various school facilities. He was credited for sending faculty members to Australia and other countries under the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) program and the network he established.

Sorsogon State College was privileged to be a premier institution in the province and in the Region during the duration of his service of two terms from 1995-2005.

SorSU Administrative Officials with Dr. Nieves on his Birthday this year (2023).

Dr. Nieves with Hon. Evelina G. Escudero during the closing ceremony of a Seminar Workshop held last July 26, 1997.

Dr. Nieves together with other SUC Presidents of the Region during the SUC President’s Meeting.