ORANJESTAD, Aruba — The Aruba Governance Graduates of the University of Aruba’s first Premaster in Governance & Leadership cohort received their certificates during a ceremony held on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The Public Administration & Organizational Science department, known as PAOS, celebrated 17 professionals who successfully completed the programme.
Participants came from Aruba’s public, private and social sectors, making the ceremony an important milestone for both the department and governance education on the island.
First Premaster Cohort Completes Programme
The Premaster in Governance & Leadership was created as a preparatory pathway for the Master in Governance & Leadership programme.
It gives professionals from different educational backgrounds the postgraduate foundation required to continue studying at an advanced academic level.
Participants can apply the knowledge gained through the programme while continuing to contribute to their organizations and communities.
The first Aruba Governance Graduates demonstrated commitment, perseverance and professional ambition throughout the programme.
Many members of the inaugural cohort are expected to continue their academic journey through the Master in Governance & Leadership.
Programme Responds to Aruba’s Needs
PAOS developed the premaster programme as part of its commitment to expanding educational opportunities in governance and leadership.
The initiative also responds to Aruba’s growing need for highly trained professionals who can address increasingly complex public, organizational and social challenges.
The programme supports professionals working in government, private companies and nonprofit organizations.
Through collaboration, critical thinking and evidence-informed decision-making, students learn how to approach leadership and governance challenges from different perspectives.
PAOS said investing in capable leaders across multiple sectors can strengthen Aruba’s governance capacity and support the island’s sustainable development.
Ceremony Recognizes Academic Achievement
Dr. Mieke de Droog, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, opened the certificate ceremony.
She was followed by Ahmet Talan, MSc, manager of the Bachelor in Organization, Governance & Management programme, and Thaïs Franken, MSc, manager of the Master in Governance & Leadership programme.
Franken reflected on the development of the premaster programme and congratulated the inaugural cohort on reaching an important academic milestone.
She also welcomed the graduates who will continue into the Master in Governance & Leadership during the new academic year.
Surrounded by classmates, lecturers, relatives and friends, the participants received certificates recognizing their dedication and successful completion of the programme.
The ceremony represented both the conclusion of the premaster and the beginning of a new academic chapter for those continuing their studies.
Charlene Nectar Receives Excellence Award
A major moment during the ceremony was the presentation of the PMGL Academic Excellence Award to Charlene Nectar.
Nectar earned the highest average grade among members of the inaugural cohort.
After receiving the award, she addressed the audience and reflected on the memorable experiences, challenges and personal growth shared with her classmates.
She thanked the lecturers, family members and fellow students who supported her throughout the programme.
Nectar also expressed enthusiasm about continuing with the Master in Governance & Leadership alongside other members of the cohort.
PAOS Congratulates Seventeen Professionals
The PAOS department congratulated all 17 Aruba Governance Graduates on completing the programme.
The department said their achievements represent more than the successful completion of an academic curriculum.
They also demonstrate a shared commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence and stronger governance within Aruba’s organizations and communities.
PAOS is preparing to welcome another group of professionals during the upcoming academic year.
The department remains committed to developing visionary leaders through its complete educational pathway.
This pathway includes the Bachelor in Organization, Governance & Management, the Premaster in Governance & Leadership and the Master in Governance & Leadership.
According to the programme announcement, registration for the 2026–2027 master’s programme has closed.
Professionals interested in pursuing the master’s programme in the future may register for premaster courses as audit students during each academic year.
The announced registration deadline for the upcoming premaster courses is August 15, 2026.
