The Board of Trustees of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) is pleased to announce the election of Rev. Fr. Randy Jasper C. Odchigue as the new president of the university, effective August 1, 2024. This decision reflects Fr. Odchigue’s extensive academic background, exemplary leadership, and dedication, to the university’s mission and values.
Fr. Odchigue’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Philosophy from Saint Peter College Seminary in Butuan City. He furthered his theological education at Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University, earning both a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Theology and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry. His pursuit of higher education continued at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium, where he attained a Master of Arts, a Licentiate in Systematic Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Systematic Theology.
Joining FSUU in June 2009 as Director of the Office of Religious Affairs, Fr. Odchigue quickly demonstrated his leadership capabilities. By 2010, he was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research. Additionally, he served as the first Executive Director of the FSUU Policy Center from 2011 to 2012. His visionary leadership has significantly contributed to the university’s advancements in various domains, including achieving higher accreditation levels for academic programs, introducing new courses, and forging collaborations with both the government and private sectors in research and project implementation. Notably, Fr. Odchigue has played a crucial role in establishing development centers such as the Bio-Diversity and Informatics Center (BIRC), the Data Science and Analytics Center, and Technology Business Incubation (TBI).
Fr. Odchigue’s commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding is evident through his role as the convenor of the annual Mindanao Peace Studies Conference since its inception in 2015. His dedication to peace education and research has made a lasting impact on the region. As a prolific writer, researcher, and resource person, he has contributed to various interdisciplinary research projects. Some of his notable published works include “Nurturing Communities, Sustaining Fragile Ecologies,” “Emancipating Religion from Religion: Reflections on the Contribution of Karl Gaspar,” “A Case Study on Church-University Collaborating on Social and Ecological Issues,” “Ecology & Society: Collective Action for the Environment,” “Descriptive Analytics Analysis as Support for Ancestral Domain Preservation: Empirical Evidence Generation as Support for Decision Making,” and “Data Analysis on Instruction Delivery Technology: Determining the Factors Influencing the System Adaptation of Learning Management System.”
Beyond FSUU, Fr. Odchigue extends his influence through teaching roles at St. Peter College Seminary and as a visiting professor at Seminario Mayor de San Carlos in Cebu City and St. John Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City. He oversees the overall pre-diaconal exposure of the diocese of Butuan and serves as a retreat master, guiding individuals in spiritual reflection and growth.
Fr. Odchigue’s professional affiliations further highlight his commitment to his field and personal development. He is a member of the CBCP-BEC Theological Commission, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), the Maryhill School of Theology Review International, the University of Santo Tomas Philippiniana Sacra, and the DaKaTeo Theological Society of the Philippines. His passion for the marine environment is underscored by his certification as a PADI scuba diver.
The Board of Trustees expresses its confidence in Fr. Odchigue’s ability to lead Father Saturnino Urios University into the future. Under his leadership, FSUU aims to continue its trajectory of growth, innovation, and excellence in academics, research, and community engagement.
Fr. Odchigue’s vision for the future of FSUU encompasses building on the university’s achievements and leading it towards new heights. His multifaceted expertise and dedication position him as an ideal leader to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The FSUU community looks forward to the continued growth and development of the university under his stewardship.
Luceat Lux Vestra!