# Francisco Cervantes Pérez
**Wikidata**: [Q5865433](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5865433)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/francisco-cervantes-perez

## Summary
Francisco Cervantes Pérez is a Mexican computer scientist born in 1952. He is recognized for his academic work at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and for serving as Rector of the Open and Distance Education University of Mexico from 2013 to 2016.

## Biography
- Born: 1952
- Nationality: Mexico
- Education: Doctor of Science (National Autonomous University of Mexico, Faculty of Engineering)
- Known for: Contributions to computer science and academic leadership in distance education
- Employer(s): National Autonomous University of Mexico; Open and Distance Education University of Mexico
- Field(s): Computer Science

## Contributions
Francisco Cervantes Pérez has contributed to the field of computer science through his academic and administrative roles in Mexican higher education institutions. He obtained a Doctor of Science degree from the Faculty of Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of the country's most prestigious research universities. His association with UNAM, a public research university founded in 1910, highlights his grounding in Mexico’s primary academic and scientific environment.

His most notable contribution is his leadership as Rector of the Open and Distance Education University of Mexico (Universidad Abierta y a Distancia de México, UnADM). He held this position from April 1, 2013, to January 31, 2016. In this capacity, he was responsible for guiding the institution's strategic direction and promoting accessible, technology-mediated education across Mexico. His tenure coincided with the consolidation of distance learning models, an area that intersects directly with computer science and educational technology. His work has helped shape how public digital education is delivered at scale in Mexico, broadening access to higher education for non-traditional students.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Francisco Cervantes Pérez known for?
A: He is known as a Mexican computer scientist and academic leader, particularly for serving as Rector of the Open and Distance Education University of Mexico between 2013 and 2016.

### Q: Where was Francisco Cervantes Pérez educated?
A: He earned his Doctor of Science degree from the Faculty of Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).

### Q: What positions has Francisco Cervantes Pérez held?
A: He has been affiliated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and served as Rector of the Open and Distance Education University of Mexico from April 2013 to January 2016.

### Q: What is his nationality?
A: He is a Mexican citizen.

## Why They Matter
Francisco Cervantes Pérez matters because he bridges the technical discipline of computer science with educational leadership at a national scale in Mexico. His academic background in a rigorous Doctor of Science program at UNAM provided a foundation for his later executive role. By leading the Open and Distance Education University of Mexico (UnADM) as Rector for nearly three years, he directly influenced the development of public, digital higher education in the country. This work is particularly significant as it leverages computer science principles—such as information systems, digital infrastructure, and possibly learning analytics—to democratize access to education. Without his leadership during a formative period for UnADM, the institution's growth and its ability to serve geographically dispersed or working students might have followed a different trajectory. His career exemplifies how computer science expertise can be applied beyond traditional research or industry roles to drive systemic change in public education.

## Notable For
- **Academic Leadership:** Served as Rector of the Open and Distance Education University of Mexico (UnADM) from 2013–2016.
- **Advanced Degree:** Earned a Doctor of Science from the Faculty of Engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM).
- **Field Recognition:** Maintained presence in academic databases such as zbMATH and VIAF.
- **Nationality:** Recognized as a Mexican computer scientist.
- **Institutional Affiliation:** Affiliated with Mexico's premier public research university, UNAM.

## Body

### Academic Background
Francisco Cervantes Pérez pursued advanced studies in science and engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). He completed a **Doctor of Science** degree at the **Faculty of Engineering**. UNAM, established in 1910 and headquartered in Coyoacán, Mexico, is a leading public research university in the country.

### Professional Career
Cervantes Pérez is primarily identified as a **computer scientist**. His career is closely tied to Mexican higher education institutions.

#### Leadership at UnADM
From **April 1, 2013**, to **January 31, 2016**, he served as the **Rector** of the **Open and Distance Education University of Mexico** (Universidad Abierta y a Distancia de México). This role involved overseeing the administration and strategic growth of a federal public institution dedicated to open and distance learning, a field that utilizes computer science methodologies for educational delivery.

### Professional Identifiers and Recognition
Cervantes Pérez is listed in multiple academic and library authority files, indicating his standing in the scientific and academic community:
- **VIAF ID:** 87773008
- **zbMATH Author ID:** cervantes-perez.francisco
- **National Library of Spain (BNE) ID:** XX888821
- **WorldCat Entities ID:** E39PBJwtkp6HQW3Pwbdg4PY9Dq
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/12372gkl

### Demographics
- **Birth Year:** 1952
- **Gender:** Male
- **Citizenship:** Mexico

## References

1. datos.bne.es