Biography

A native of Santander, Spain Dr. Lago arrived in the US in 1987 to embark on an educational journey as a first-generation college student. Now as the Chief International Officer for Utah Valley University, Dr. Lago organizes and manages UVU's global and intercultural academic initiatives, directs the UNESCO Chair on AI, Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Futures, and works with external communities including Governments, The United Nations, and many other organizations, civil society and companies.

Prior to his current post, Dr. Lago dedicated his professional career as a professor of language pedagogy and has presented his research in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Since 1999, as a service to his country and to the local community, Dr. Lago fulfills his appointment as the Honorary Consul of Spain and has served two terms as President of the Utah Consular Corps. Additionally, he has served as President of the World Trade Association of Utah and Chairman of Utah Global Diplomacy.

In 2016, Dr. Lago was awarded the title of Knight Commander of the Royal Order of Civil Merit by King Phillip VI of Spain. In 2020 received the UVU Presidential Award, Utah's Diplomat Award, the World Trade Association Person of the Year Award. In 2024 was awarded the Medal of Diplomacy by the Utah State Senate and House of Representatives. Some of his pastimes include the arts, classical music, current events, history and spending time with his family.

Curriculum Vitae