The Department of Public Administration & Organizational Science (PAOS) at the University of Aruba proudly celebrated the successful completion of its first cohort of the Premaster in Governance & Leadership (PMGL) during a certificate award ceremony on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Seventeen professionals from the public, private, and social sectors received their certificates after successfully completing the PMGL program, marking an important milestone for both the department and management education in Aruba. Designed as the preparatory pathway for the Master in Governance & Leadership (MGL), the PMGL offers professionals from diverse educational backgrounds the necessary postgraduate foundation to pursue academic-level studies while continuing to contribute to their organizations and communities.
The PMGL was developed as part of PAOS’s commitment to expand educational opportunities in management and leadership while responding to Aruba’s growing demand for highly trained professionals to face the increasingly complex public, organizational, and social challenges. As an integral part of PAOS, the program reflects the department’s ongoing contribution to Aruba’s sustainable development by investing in leaders across all public, private, and non-profit sectors. By fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and information-based decision-making, PAOS continues to strengthen management capacity and create lasting value for the Aruban community.
The opening of the ceremony was led by Dr. Mieke de Droog, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science (FAS), followed by remarks from Ahmet Talan, MSc, manager of the Bachelor in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) program, and Thaïs Franken, MSc, Manager of the Master in Governance & Leadership (MGL) program. Franken reflected on the development of the PMGL, congratulated the inaugural cohort for achieving this important goal, and welcomed those continuing their academic journey into the Master in Governance & Leadership this academic year.
Surrounded by fellow students, professors, family members, and friends, the graduates proudly received their certificates in recognition of their dedication, perseverance, and academic achievement. The evening celebrated not only the successful completion of the program but also the beginning of a new chapter, as many of the graduates continue their educational journey in the Master in Governance & Leadership.
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the PMGL Academic Excellence Award to Charlene Nectar, who achieved the highest grade point average of the initial cohort. After receiving the recognition, Nectar addressed the audience, reflecting on the memorable experience, challenges, and personal growth she shared with her classmates during the PMGL program. She expressed her gratitude to the professors, family, and fellow students who supported her along the way and shared her excitement to continue forward with the Master in Governance & Leadership.
The PAOS department sends its most sincere congratulations to all seventeen graduates. Their achievements represent more than the successful completion of an academic program; they reflect a shared commitment to continuous learning, professional excellence, and the strengthening of management within organizations and communities.
As the department prepares to welcome a new group of professionals in the upcoming academic year, PAOS remains committed to developing “Visionary Leaders who Shape Management” through its complete educational pathway, which consists of the Bachelor in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM), the Premaster in Governance & Leadership (PMGL), and the Master in Governance & Leadership (MGL).
Registration for the Master in Governance & Leadership for 2026-2027 is now closed. However, professionals interested in pursuing the MGL in the future can register for PMGL courses each academic year as auditing students. The deadline to register for PMGL courses for the upcoming year is August 15, 2026.
For more information regarding PAOS programs, prospective students can contact the Office of Student Affairs via osa@ua.aw, the Bachelor in Organization, Governance & Management (OGM) via ogm@ua.aw, or the Master in Governance & Leadership (including PMGL) via mastergl@ua.aw.
Follow the PAOS department on Facebook and Instagram via @ua_ogm.mgl to stay informed about our programs, events, and educational initiatives.
