Nemesio "Doc" Encarnacion Prudente was a Filipino educator, political activist, and human rights defender revered for serving as President of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Prudente is credited with revitalizing public education in the Philippines by institutionalizing much-needed changes in the state university he led, which will eventually become the largest state university.

The president of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines is the principal executive officer of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The president oversees the policy implementation, guide the institution towards the realization of its vision-mission, as well as monitor and administer the overall affairs of the university, and is the vice-chairman of its Board of Regents. Republic Act No. 8292, formed in 1996, establishes the powers, and appointment of the President of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.