Published
February 5th, 2026
Category
GGU News
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden Gate University announced today that Edward Roekaert Embrechts has been appointed Executive Vice President and Incoming Provost, effective March 1, 2026. Dr. Roekaert will formally assume the role of Provost on July 1, 2026, following a transition period in close collaboration with current Provost Bruce Magid. In this role, Dr. Roekaert will lead the university’s academic strategy as it advances a global, multilingual and AI-focused educational model.
Dr. Roekaert previously served as Rector and Chief Executive Officer of Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), one of Peru’s leading private universities, from 2014 to 2026. During his tenure, UPC experienced sustained growth in enrollment and research output and ranked among the top universities in Peru for scientific productivity. He also served as Rector of Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola and is widely recognized for strengthening academic quality and accreditation standards across Latin America.
Dr. Roekaert holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism Administration from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and in Hospitality Administration from Cornell University, and an advanced management degree from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Spain. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Universidad del Pacífico in Peru.
He currently serves as a Commissioner with the WASC Senior College and University Commission and as a board member of NAFSA. He has also served on the board of the Federation of Private Institutions of Higher Education of Peru and on IESALC-UNESCO’s University Presidents’ Sustainability Network. In addition, he was President of Universia’s MetaRed TIC Perú. In 2025, the Peruvian government awarded him the Palmas Magisteriales in its highest degree of Amauta for his lifetime achievements in higher education.
“Dr. Roekaert brings exceptional international leadership experience, a strong record of innovation and deep expertise in accreditation and institutional quality,” said Brent White, President of Golden Gate University. “He is well-positioned to help lead GGU as we expand our online and global programs and develop new academic offerings aligned with emerging fields.”
Edward Roekaert added, “I am honored to join Golden Gate University, an institution with a distinguished legacy of success. I look forward to collaborating with such an exceptional team to advance our mission of delivering world-class education to students across the globe.”
Dr. Roekaert will initially focus on growing GGU’s online programs while working alongside Provost Magid and the faculty to explore launching schools of emerging technologies and psychology, and other curricular innovations. The university is grateful to Provost Magid for his leadership and his commitment to a thoughtful transition.
About Golden Gate University
Golden Gate University (GGU) is a private, nonprofit university anchored in San Francisco and reimagining higher education for working adults and professional learners worldwide. Through flexible learning models and a commitment to access, quality, and real-world impact, GGU is an AI-focused, global, multilingual university designed for the future of work.
Topic
GGU News
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