In 2025, Sue-Ann Lee (45) Sue-Ann Lee made history as another Woman Aruban-born women academic to be appointed Rector Magnificus of the University of Aruba, following in the footsteps of Dr. Lydia Emerencia, who served as the university’s first female rector.”
Sue-Ann Lee
Sue-Ann Lee
Sue-Ann Lee’s story begins in Santa Cruz, where she learned early on that discipline is the foundation for achieving one’s goals. “I went to primary school at Maria School. My sister and I grew up very close, we played around the house but always kept discipline when it came to doing our homework,” she shares. She didn’t grow up in luxury, but rather in structure and responsibility. “I liked school, it was something I could master,” she adds.From a young age, she saw her future clearly: study, improve, and create opportunities. “Our parents always encouraged us to continue our studies and gave us the opportunities they themselves never had,” she says. That was the foundation of a leader who today is making her mark in the history of Aruban education.
After completing her VWO at Colegio Arubano, Sue-Ann took a brave step to continue her studies abroad. Her destination was the Netherlands, a world completely different from what she knew. She began at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and after earning her propaedeutic diploma, she continued at the University of Groningen (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen). “The experience was a huge culture shock because before going to study, I had never visited the Netherlands. Rotterdam was a big city, and the university itself was a challenge to adapt to.” Amidst the changes in language, culture, and social environment, Sue-Ann faced a deep sense of not being at home. “We have a Dutch nationality, but we have to realize that doesn’t mean it’s our home,” she says sincerely.
Before joining the University of Aruba, Sue-Ann spent more than a decade in the tourism industry, working in both the private and public sectors. That experience gave her a deep understanding of how the industry moves and grows. “It opened doors for me to understand how this industry functions and develops,” she explains. For Sue-Ann, Aruba’s tourism sector is a living case study, one she now uses to connect theory with practice in the classroom. “Teaching within the context of Aruba’s tourism industry is the perfect example,” she adds. The transition from tourism to education felt natural to her: “I believed in the power of sharing my knowledge, but also in helping shape this young generation into leaders with critical thinking who can contribute to a sustainable Aruba.”
As a native Aruban Rector and also a woman and mother, Sue-Ann Lee views her appointment not only as an honor but also as a profound responsibility. “I felt the community’s support in seeing an Aruban and a woman in this role,” she says. For her, this achievement is not a personal one, but a collective step forward for all Arubans with big dreams. She emphasizes that her role goes beyond managing a university it’s also about inspiring and representing. “I am also a mother in this role, so that I can be an inspiration to others.” Her wish is that every student, colleague, and young person can see that discipline, vision, and consistent effort are tools that can open doors. “I believe in the philosophy of having role models, but also in mentorship where community leaders, in one way or another, can share knowledge, experiences, and meaningful advice to support professional growth and contribute to our island.”
How will your tenure be different from your predecessor?
“I believe that being born and raised in Aruba, as a child of this land, allows me to see the institution not just as a school but as the University of Aruba where our context, culture, and heritage are central in our curriculum, education, and research. This helps us ensure that students understand their role and feel the responsibility to contribute to our island.”
According to Sue-Ann, a university should and must be a connector a meeting point between academia and the community. “The University of Aruba is a knowledge hub where we can contribute to research on topics important to our country,” she says. But, she emphasizes, its impact should not be limited to the classroom. “I want to see a university that is accessible to everyone, a place where you can come to gain knowledge but also to build connections with different stakeholders in the community,” she adds. She believes the university must be present in Aruban real life, connecting students with projects that have social and environmental value. “Our students can make structural contributions to projects that give back to the community, whether in the social or environmental areas,” she explains.
For Sue-Ann Lee, leadership is not just a matter of knowledge, but of awareness. “A good leader is shaped by the way you treat others with respect and empathy,” she says. She adds that real leadership comes from humanity, understanding others, but also understanding yourself. “It’s important to be self-aware and learn to manage your emotions.” She notes that having strong leaders around her from the start of her career influenced her own leadership style and her understanding of power.
In her personal life, Sue-Ann applies the same principle: balance. “To relax, I go to the beach, watch a sunset, or walk in nature. The sounds of nature bring a kind of silence that I need.” In addition, she trains three times a week with a personal trainer, a routine she considers essential for maintaining both mental and physical health. As a woman, wife, and mother, she keeps a realistic vision. “I don’t believe in ‘having it all.’ I believe in making the best decision for the moment and staying true to myself, while prioritizing my family,” she explains.
“Social media has made many things more accessible, in the sense of sharing and receiving information. At the same time, we must be careful about what and how we share personal information and recognize that people share both positive and negative content. We should use social media thoughtfully, avoid constant comparison, and remain aware of misinformation. I believe that if useful information is shared in real time and made accessible, it can contribute significantly to our knowledge for example, using LinkedIn as a platform.”
Sue-Ann’s main challenge is not only internal but transformational. “We focus on opportunities. We need a stable organization with human and financial capacity to continue growing without losing quality.” She sees the University of Aruba as a catalyst for change, where research, education, and community unite toward a single goal.
As a native Aruban Rector and also a mother and professional woman she feels a deep responsibility. “I hope to be an inspiration to others. My students, my colleagues, and young people can see that with discipline, vision, and hard work, anything is possible.”
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