Jose Maria Vargas was born on March 10, 1786 in La Guaira, on the central coast of Venezuela. The son of Jose Antonio de Vargas, a native of the Canary Islands and Ana Teresa Ponce, he made great contributions to the historical culture and politics of his native country, and to the fields of science and education. Vargas is considered an enduring source of inspiration for educators across Venezuela and around the world. He was opposed to politics, war and violence and with his civil and social activities has become a model for scholarship and productivity in Venezuela. He believed that education is the primary driving force behind any lasting progress.
 
Jose Maria Vargas University is part of the Diaz Parra Higher Education Multiplex committed to the development of global, bilingual professionals for the world and to providing education that promotes pluralism, solidarity, responsibility, honesty and integrity and the Vargas ideal. Jose Maria Vargas University, South Florida, U.S.A.
 
Alicia F. Parra Ed.D established the South Florida campus Vargas University. The Jose Maria Vargas ideal for education continues to shape and influence the curriculum, instruction and goals of the University.

Vision
Jose Maria Vargas University views itself as a pioneer institution of higher education focusing on the holistic development of individuals and the formation of bilingual professionals for the world.

Mission
Jose Maria Vargas University is a postsecondary institution that provides educational programs at the certificate, undergraduate, and graduate levels. The University serves the culturally diverse students of South Florida who live and work in an increasingly populous, international environment.

Jose Maria Vargas University offers programs that are both academic and career-oriented in their focus. Each of these programs is taught in a bilingual context. Among all its programs of study, the goal of the University is to promote a high-quality education in which students acquire the critical thinking and conceptual skills, as well as the knowledge and interpersonal skills to function in their careers.