Rethinking academia: the need to establish chairs in private universities

Abstract

In the context of higher education, private universities have prioritized flexible management models at the expense of collegial structures such as university chairs. Historically fundamental in academia, university chairs facilitate the integration of teaching and research, strengthening academic communities. However, their absence in private institutions has fragmented teaching and limited scientific output. This article argues for the necessity of establishing university chairs in private universities to enhance educational quality, foster collaboration, and consolidate institutional identity. Organizational and economic barriers to their implementation are analyzed, and strategies such as partnerships with the productive sector and digitalization are proposed. Additionally, a methodological model based on three types of chairs - academic, research, and innovation - is presented. The study concludes that adopting these structures is key to enhancing the academic and social impact of private universities in a globalized and competitive environment.