SU appoints Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista as VPAAR

Silliman University has appointed Dr. Lily Ann D. Bautista as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research (VPAAR), following formal action by the Board of Trustees. Her term takes effect immediately.

Bautista, an accomplished higher education leader and physical therapy professional, brings three decades of experience in academic administration, clinical practice, curriculum innovation, faculty development, and global professional engagement.

She was the former director of the Institute of Rehabilitative Sciences (IRS), where she boosted faculty research productivity, expanded community clinics, modernized the curriculum, strengthened international linkages, and improved overall instructional quality and student experience. She also brings extensive international networks through her roles in national and global physical therapy organizations.

In her role as VPAAR, among her priorities are strengthening the university’s global university rankings, ensuring accreditation readiness across programs, addressing systemic issues that hinder academic progress, and driving a culture of innovation and accountability while firmly rooted in SU’s Christian mission and traditions.

Bautista holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Education major in Administration from SU and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from A.T. Still University in Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Sto. Tomas and holds multiple professional certifications, including Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy and Vestibular Therapy. She is also an Honorary Fellow of the Philippine Association of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists.