The Autonomous University of Coahuila (Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, or "UAdeC") is a state university founded in 1957. It is located in the northern Mexican state of Coahuila. The university system has three campuses — Saltillo, Torreón, and Norte — distributed among the most populated cities in the state. It perhaps the only one university in the world which is governed by a President elected for a period of 3 years by direct general balloting by the unqualified vote of both students and teachers. The university's administrative headquarters are located on the Saltillo campus. The city's reputation for learning dates back to Colonial times and this tradition continues to be true today. Saltillo, the state capital, is only a 50-minute drive from the metropolitan city of Monterrey. Although highly industrialized, Saltillo offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Plaza de Armas, the Government Palace, the Cathedral de Santiago, and several interesting museums. Another of the campuses is located in the city of Torreón. The area is hot and dry and includes the nearby desert oasis called Dunas de Viesca and Parras de la Fuente. Torreón is well known for its cotton crop and milk production.