The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education - Winter 2022

HACU Annual Conference draws record breaking attendance

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At the University of San Diego , we are committed to your future, your family and your community. Located at an international border with a focus on academic excellence – we are an institution inspired by our faith and Catholic values. At USD, we focus on solving humanity’s urgent challenges and are committed to a world that is more diverse, equitable and inclusive. Come and explore your horizon

OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION

VOLUME 31 | NUMBER 4 | WINTER 2022

The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education is published quarterly by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 4801 N.W. Loop 410, Suite 701, San Antonio, Texas 78229.

The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education reserves the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. We are not responsible for returning any unsolicited materials such as photos, brochures, etc. We also reserve the right to refuse publication of any unsolicited material.

Publisher Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D. HACU President and CEO Senior Vice President for Programs and Operations Lisa Alcorta, Ph.D.

Editor

Norma Jean Revilla-García njgarcia@hacu.net

Assistant editor/writer Chris de Hoyos chris.dehoyos@hacu.net

Designer Michael Lopez michael.lopez@hacu.net

HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES GOVERNING BOARD 2022-23

Mike Flores, Chair Chancellor Alamo Colleges District San Antonio, Texas

Juan S. Muñoz, Vice Chair Chancellor University of California, Merced Merced, Calif.

Margaret Venable, Secretary President Dalton State College Dalton, Ga.

Emma Grace Hernández Flores, Treasurer President Universidad de Iberoamérica San José, Costa Rica

Federico Zaragoza, Substitute for Past-Chair President College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, Nev.

Ted Alejandre Superintendent   San Bernardino County Schools San Bernadino, Calif.

Irma Becerra  President  Marymount University  Arlington, Va.

Adela de la Torre President

San Diego State University San Diego, Calif.

Howard Gillman  Chancellor University of California, Irvine Irvine, Calif.

Reyes González  President  St. Augustine College  Chicago, Ill.

Devorah Lieberman President University of La Verne La Verne, California

Cesar Maldonado Chancellor Houston Community College Houston, Texas

Gary May Chancellor University of California, Davis Davis, Calif.

Margaret McMenamin President  Union College  Cranford, N.J.

Brad Mortensen President Weber State University Ogden, Utah

Greg Peterson President Chandler-Gilbert Community College Chandler, Ariz.

Garnett S. Stokes President

The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, N.M.

Luke Visconti Chairman and Founder  DiversityInc  West Palm Beach, Fla.

Antonio R. Flores, Ex-Officio President and CEO HACU

CONTACTING HACU

HACU National Headquarters

4801 NW Loop 410, Suite 701 San Antonio, TX 78229

Tel: (210) 692-3805 Fax: (210) 692-0823 Website: www.hacu.net Email: hacu@hacu.net

ABOUT THE COVER Dr. Flores speaks at the Opening Plenary

Subscription Rates:

The subscription rate for nonmembers of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) is $35 for one year and $50 for two years. For members, the rate is $28 for one year and $40 for two years. Information and subscription available at www.hacu.net.

ABOUT HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to champion hispanic success in higher education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento, California. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

HACU Washington D.C. Office

One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 430 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel: (202) 833-8361 Fax: (202) 261-5082 Email: dcgr@hacu.net

HACU National Internship Program

One Dupont Circle, N.W., Suite 430 Washington, D.C. 20036

Tel: (202) 467-0893 Fax: (202) 496-9177 Email: hnip@hacu.net

Log on to www.hacu.net for the latest up-to-date news and special events.

HACU Western Regional Office

1107 9th Street, Suite 830 Sacramento, CA 95814

Tel: (916) 442-0392 Fax: (916) 446-4028 Email: wro@hacu.net

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities ended 2022 with record breaking attendance at its 36th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Rebuilding a More Resilient and Inclusive America.” We were delighted to have hosted over 2,500 attendees to our first in-person conference since 2019. This year student attendance was more than 700 with many being sponsored by their institutions, corporate partners and sponsors to participate in HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, a hallmark event of our conference. Highlights of the conference are featured in a special section on page 10, including honoree recognitions and the induction of two new members to HACU’s Hall of Champions.

Days after the conference in San Diego, HACU was in Washington, D.C. for a ceremonial event in honor of a historic MOU signing with the U.S. Department of State. Secretary Antony J. Blinken and I renewed an MOU that was first put into place in 2001. Following that event, HACU planning meetings were held in Salamanca, Spain in preparation for our 14th International Conference to be held in Spain on June 3-5, 2024. Photo highlights of both events are included in this issue. On page 14 is a special report released by HACU that includes a summary of findings from a Texas Regional Convening on STEM Education held in San Antonio, Texas in the fall.

Our first major event of 2023 will be our 28th Annual National Capitol Forum on Hispanic Higher Education, April 1819. As many of you already know, this is an important gathering for us to advocate for HACU’s Legislative Agenda. It is our opportunity to make our voices heard for greater funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Congressional support of legislative enhancements to strengthen HSIs and their learning communities. Our state delegation visits to Capitol Hill will take place on the second day of the Capitol Forum. We look forward to seeing you this spring in Washington, D.C.

We want to also convey our gratitude to HACU’s Governing Board for their leadership and support. On page 4, we welcome our new chair Mike Flores and five new board members beginning their terms. We also thank the board members ending their terms for their service to HACU.

From all of us at HACU, best wishes for a prosperous 2023.

Cordially,

Antonio R. Flores President and CEO

HACU, Southwest Airlines announce student recipients of ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Travel Award Program

HACU and Southwest Airlines announced approximately 175 college students will receive round-trip air travel through Southwest Airlines, as part of the SWA ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Program. The program was designed to help Hispanic college students stay connected with their family during the school year. The awardees were selected from students across the nation who submitted essays that described how the travel award would help them achieve their goal to pursue a higher education.

The ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Program, in its 18th year, awarded approximately 1,400 tickets among the 2022 recipients. For a complete list of all student recipients and their colleges and universities, visit hacu.net.

HACU president and CEO speaks on panel at UNL fourthannual state of diversity

HSI presidents roundtable discussion with U.S. Department of Education

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores was among the panelists at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion fourth-annual State of Diversity on Oct. 26, 2022, in Lincoln, Neb. The State of Diversity provided the UNL campus community with critical diversity updates, highlighted the achievements and successes of inclusive excellence at Nebraska. The panel session addressing diversity in higher education was moderated by Jamal Watson, Ph.D., editor, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Panelists joining Flores included: Carrie Billy, J.D., president and CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium and Lynn Pasquerella, Ph.D., president, American Association of Colleges and Universities.

HACU hosted a roundtable discussion with Hispanic-Serving Institution presidents from across the country and the U.S. Department of Education. The HSI focused roundtable took place on Sept. 21, 2022, in Washington, D.C.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and government relations staff were among those present at the round table led by Assistant Secretary for Post-Secondary Education for the U.S. Department of Education Nasser Paydar.

The following HSI leaders and students took part in the roundtable discussion:

• Guy Bailey, Ph.D., president, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

• Irma Becerra, Ph.D., president, Marymount University

• Nancy Cantor, Ph.D., chancellor, Rutgers University –Newark

• Abel Chavez, Ph.D., president, Our Lady of the Lake University

• Greg Peterson, Ph.D., president, Chandler Gilbert Community College

• Jason Pleitez, student, Kean University

• Vanya Quiñones, Ph.D., president, California State University, Monterey Bay

• Lamont Repollet, Ed.D., president, Kean University

• Dennis J. Tyner, Ph.D., president, Ottawa UniversityArizona

• Karina Zamora, student, San Francisco State University

Closing out the event was a virtual roundtable discussion held by Ethan Rosenzweig, deputy assistant secretary, academic programs bureau of educational and cultural affairs, U.S. Department of State. A meeting with the Domestic Policy Council at the White House was also held. Presidents also had meetings on Capitol Hill on Sept. 22.

HACU announces new chair, officers and five new members to its Governing Board for 2022-2023

HACU announced Mike Flores, chancellor of Alamo Colleges District as the new chair of its Governing Board. With more than 20 years of service to the Alamo Colleges District, Flores possesses the distinction of being the ninth appointed chancellor and the first Hispanic chancellor in the district’s history.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mike Flores as chair of HACU’s Governing Board. We have had the privilege of working with Mike as board member and his unwavering commitment to HACU makes him the ideal person to lead our Association’s governance,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.

Four other Governing Board members were confirmed as officers and five new members were appointed to its Board. The confirmations took place on Oct. 9, 2022, at HACU’s 36th Annual Conference. Board members serve two-year terms with the opportunity to be re-elected for a second term.

Other HACU Governing Board officers are as follows:

• Vice-Chair - Juan Muñoz, chancellor of University of California, Merced

• Secretary - Margaret Venable, president of Dalton State College

• Treasurer - Emma Grace Hernández Flores, president of Universidad de Iberoamérica

• Substitute for Past - Chair Federico Zaragoza, president of College of Southern Nevada

HACU extends its sincere thanks to members completing their terms and their contributions during their service to the board: Sue Henderson, former president of New Jersey City University; Michael D. Amiridis, president of University of South Carolina; Olga Hugelmeyer, superintendent of schools of Elizabeth Public Schools; and Andrew Sund, president of Heritage University.

Newly elected board members include:

Ted Alejandre is San Bernadino County’s 34th superintendent of schools. As county superintendent, Alejandre works collaboratively with educators, families, other agencies and stakeholders to provide advocacy, leadership and services for public schools in San Bernardino County. He has more than three decades of experience in public education.

Irma Becerra, Ph.D., is the seventh president of Marymount University. Prior to this, she served as provost and chief academic officer at St. Thomas University and spent three decades at Florida International University in a variety of positions that include vice president, vice provost, entrepreneurship center director and tenured professor in management information systems.

Reyes González, Ed.D., is the president of St. Augustine College. He has more than two decades of higher education experience, fostering opportunities for first-generation students in the Chicago area and at other Midwestern universities.

Gary May, Ph.D., became the seventh chancellor of the University of California, Davis in 2017 after a three-decade career at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has authored more than 200 technical publications, contributed to 15 books and holds a patent related to this work.

Margaret M. McMenamin, Ed.D., is the president of Union College. During her tenure at Union, the College has more than quintupled its IPEDS graduation rate. In October 2020, she was named the National Marie Y. Martin CEO of the Year by the Association of Community College Trustees.

HACU and Hispanics in Energy sign MOU to assist Hispanics to achieve educational excellence in the energy sector and workforce

HACU and Hispanics in Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 10, 2022, at HACU's 36th Annual Conference in San Diego, Calif. The primary objective of the MOU is to develop a partnership to enable access to STEM energy careers for students enrolled at HACU-member institutions, and to advancing the success of Hispanics to the executive levels within the HIE partners.

The partnership will collaborate on a HACU-HIE Energy Center to house proposed key initiatives, such as the energy STEM Pathway program, the Energy Executive Academy, and related programs. The Center will be developed within the framework of the HACU National Innovation Center for Hispanic Education.

The MOU’s focus is on enhancing the energy STEM pathway through the engagement of Hispanic-Serving School Districts, HSIs, energy corporations and government agencies to develop a diverse energy workforce. This will include the implementation of leadership development programs for executive level positions within the energy sector.

The MOU with HIE continues HACU’s work to provide pathways for college students to gain professional experience while diversifying the STEM workforce.

“HACU welcomes five new members to our board who are all champions of Hispanic education. We look forward to working with them,” added Flores.

HACU and USDA Partner to Create Immersive Agricultural Trade Learning Experience

HACU celebrates 30-year anniversary of HSI designation and HNIP

HACU brought together supporters and former interns for a special reception on Sept. 14, 2022, in Washington, D.C. The HispanicServing Institution Week event celebrated the 30-year anniversary of the HSI designation and also the anniversary of the inception of the HACU National Internship Program.

In 1992, HACU led the effort to convince Congress to formally recognize campuses with high Hispanic enrollment as federally designated HSIs and to begin targeting federal appropriations to those campuses. Soon after, HACU and its allies were instrumental in convincing Congress to appropriate money specifically for HSIs. For the first time ever, HSIs were granted $12 million in 1995 from federal resources. Since then, funding has increased significantly because of HACU’s persistent advocacy.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel B. Whitley announced a cooperative partnership to provide students from minority-serving institutions an opportunity to solve simulated world trade problems in the new Agricultural Export Market Challenge.

The program announcement was made on the eve of HACU’s 36th Annual Conference in San Diego, Calif. Whitley and Flores officially shared the partnership news at the HACU ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (student track) to encourage student participation.

“We are thrilled to partner with HACU to give students from minority-serving institutions the opportunity to experience firsthand the fascinating work of global food and agricultural trade, and learn about exciting and meaningful careers at USDA,” said Whitley.

The program is being funded through a cooperative agreement between FAS and HACU. The agricultural agency is awarding HACU $195,000 to serve as the implementing partner for the Challenge in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 academic years

The program will include teams of junior- and senior-year undergraduate students, who will be mentored by FAS professionals. The team that completes and wins the Challenge will receive an opportunity to meet with USDA leaders in Washington, D.C.

“HACU is pleased to partner with USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in its efforts to promote awareness of opportunities in international agriculture amongst college students at minorityserving institutions,” said Flores. “The Agricultural Export Market Challenge provides college students a practical learning experience and the opportunity to explore potential career paths at FAS.”

The Challenge will take place online mid-semester in spring 2023 over the course of four to six weeks from start to finish. There will be a kick-off session and a workshop during which student teams will present their work and hear from FAS officials. To learn more about the Challenge visit https://fas.usda.gov/market-challenge.

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores gave welcoming remarks, followed by distinguished speakers including Senator Alex Padilla; Representative Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon; Representative Juan Vargas; State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Ethan Rosenzweig; and Executive Director of White House Initiative on Hispanics Melody Gonzales.

The celebration also included the inaugural presentation of the “Alicia Casanova Award” to commemorate Casanova’s legacy of extraordinary support for the HACU National Internship Program. While serving as political and senior executive at the Department of Transportation Casanova was instrumental in making the case for Hispanic students to receive internship opportunities in the federal government. The award will recognize future alumni of the program who distinguish themselves professionally by positively impacting the lives of others through exemplary role-modeling, integrity, and commitment to the core value of service. Alicia and Barbara Casanova were in attendance to accept the award.

Founded in 1992, HNIP has provided real world job training for students while enhancing their professional skills and allowing them the opportunity to interact with a motivated and talented peer group. The internship program which began with 24 interns was one of the first student programs created by the Association after its founding in 1986. To date, HNIP has placed college students in more than 14,000 paid internships.

1. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores with Representative Juan Vargas;

Senator Alex Padilla;

Representative Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon; and

Alicia and Barbara Casanova.

Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel B. Whitley announces Agricultural Export Market Challenge

Hispanic-Serving Institution Leaders in Washington D.C.

HACU hosts Emerging Leaders Summit event with Texas A&M University- San Antonio

HSI Leaders with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona HACU joined the President’s Alliance on Higher Education for a day of action to advocate for a bipartisan legislative solution to protect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, undocumented students, and other Dreamers.

Hispanic-Serving Institution leaders were in Washington D.C. for meetings on Capitol Hill and with White House officials. Among the many HSIs in attendance, HACU welcomed Our Lady of the Lake University, Phoenix College, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and Marymount University. While in Washington D.C. the leaders met with Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

In a letter to the leadership of Congress and to the Senate Judiciary Committee and House Judiciary Committee on Nov. 9, 2022, HACU urged for passage of the Dream Act before the end of the year.

The letter notes “A decade into DACA, more than 830,000 individuals have been granted deferred action. Many more are eligible for DACA status but are unable to apply due to proceedings in federal courts. Most of them were brought to the United States before the age of six and this is the only country they call home.”

“The passage of a permanent solution to DACA would uphold the values of America. DACA recipients enrich our country’s cultural diversity, reinvigorate our labor force, and make significant contributions to our economic vitality. Congress needs to act swiftly to expedite the passage of the Dream Act as a down payment to comprehensive immigration reform.”

HACU has issued a call to action to its members and supporters to contact Members of Congress to urge them to pass the Dream Act as a permanent and enduring solution to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and offer a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients.

HACU hosted an Emerging Leaders Summit focused on preparing students for internships and career opportunities in various fields. The event was hosted with Texas A&M University–San Antonio and brought together more than 100 students from 20 colleges and universities with professionals and corporate representatives for a one-day event on Oct. 28, 2022.

Opening remarks were given by Mari Fuentes-Martin, VP of student success and engagement. Students that participated represented the following majors: STEM majors (including computer science, information technology, management information systems, engineering, etc.), finance, accounting, business, communications, and marketing fields. Corporate partners that held career preparation workshops and panels included: Gallo, Sodexo, Neutrogena, Union Pacific, USAA and Accenture.

HACU names Brenda Valles executive director of Western State Policy and Outreach

HACU announced the appointment of Brenda Valles, Ph.D., as executive director of Western State Policy and Outreach. Valles will oversee HACU’s Western Regional office in Sacramento, Calif. to develop and advance HACU’s legislative agenda involving state government issues in the five western states of California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

Valles has over 10 years of higher education equity leadership experience in equity assessment and executive equity leadership in the Western U.S. and Mountain West, specifically in Utah, Washington, and Oregon. She recently served as faculty in educational leadership and higher education in Oregon. She brings a PK-20 educational policy framework to her work.

Valles earned a doctorate in educational leadership and policy, and a master’s in education, culture, and society, both from the University of Utah. She holds a bachelor’s in communication from California State University of Monterey Bay.

HACU President Flores and Secretary Blinken sign MOU between HACU and Department of State

HACU and the U.S. Department of State renewed its Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 13, 2022. The historic signing took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin Franklin Diplomatic Reception Room..

The MOU signing between Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores, Ph.D., focuses on three key areas: workforce development; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; and international education.

The MOU provides a framework for HACU and Department of State to re-establish and continue to develop a partnership designed to increase awareness among students, faculty and staff at HACU-member institutions regarding programs, activities, careers and employment opportunities at the Department of State; and increase awareness at the Department of State about issues of importance to the Hispanic community and opportunities to participate in HACU activities.

The MOU signing renews a partnership that was first put in place by former Secretary of State Colin Powell in 2001.

HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores

Lena Rodriguez, Ph.D., senior VP for policy and government relations, HACU; Terry Leyba Ruiz, Ed.D., president of Glendale Community College; Secretary of State Antony J.Blinken; HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores; Norma Jean Garcia, executive director of communications and marketing, HACU; and Ben Melano, senior executive director of federal relations and HACU National Internship Program.

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores sign MOU

Lee Satterfield Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs gives welcome address of historic occasion to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and MOU signing with HACU.

Arizona

The National Science Foundation has renewed a $2.5 million grant over the next two years for the Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities (WAESO) program. Headquartered at Arizona State University, WAESO works to increase enrollment in STEM disciplines for historically underrepresented students. The WAESO Alliance was one of the first projects sponsored by the NSF’s Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP) and includes 13 institutions across Arizona, Utah and Colorado.

grant to support CSUN students specializing in special education

California State University, Northridge received a $1.1 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to provide financial support to early childhood special education teacher candidates. The grant would provide up to $20,000 in financial support to 30 students over the next five years who are getting their preliminary education specialist credential. The grant also supports the development of a pipeline between the university’s Department Child and Adolescent Development in the College of Health and Human Development and Project CREATE, which assists senior year students prepare for the standardized tests they are required to pass before they can apply to the credential program.

Florida

$10 Million Gift to support new UCF college of nursing building at Lake Nona

California State University Channel Islands is one of 17 CSU campuses that received California State University HSI Community Grants, part of a CSU-wide initiative of the Global HSI (HispanicServing Institution) Equity Innovation Hub (EIH). CSUCI’s “Channel Your Potential” initiative received $136,989 and a new program called “Serving Black Students” was awarded $64,460. The CSUCI grants were a portion of the more than $2 million awarded to the 17 CSU campuses. The grants will support CSU programs that inspire the next generation of creators and innovators to pursue high-demand careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and the creative and tech industries.

Leaders from Dr. Phillips Charities and University of Central Florida announced a $10 million donation to support the College of Nursing’s new building, which will help UCF graduate more nurses and combat the nation’s critical nursing shortage while fostering more innovation and collaboration in Lake Nona’s Medical City. The donation will accelerate a campaign to raise $30 million to support the creation of a 21st century building that will house the College of Nursing’s education and research activities.

Oklahoma

Upward Bound at Oklahoma Panhandle State University receives continued funding

Oklahoma Panhandle State University has been awarded a $1.5 million federal grant to continue the Upward Bound program throughout the next five years. This program helps guide high school students on a path to success in higher education and obtaining a college degree. Upward Bound helps students in local high schools, such as Guymon, Hooker, and Texhoma. In addition, the program allows students to apply for colleges and offers a bridge program for seniors to take college courses.

NSF renews $2.5M grant for STEM education, careers

California

CSUCI receives more than $200,000 for two programs promoting equity for underserved student populations

$1M

Texas Concordia University Irvine awarded $3 million Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Grant

The U.S. Department of Education’s Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Program awarded Concordia University Irvine a $3 million grant, the largest federal grant in the university’s history. Concordia’s grant-winning initiative is titled “Avanzando: Access and Success” and will enhance support services for undergraduate Hispanic students. The HSI grant provides funding over the next five years. Concordia’s HSI grant-funded activities will include increasing enrollment and early success of Hispanic students, increasing retention and graduation rates for Hispanic students and the hiring four new employees.

NSF grant fosters research into participation of minority women in STEM fields

Texas State University has awarded Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, assistant professor in the Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies (OWLS) the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) grant. The five-year, $843,000 award, which will support Black and Hispanic women entering the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), is funded by the NSF’s Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: HispanicServing Institutions (HSI) and EHR Core Research (ECR) Programs. The HSI program aims to enhance undergraduate STEM education and build capacity at HSIs. ECR emphasizes fundamental STEM education research that generates foundational knowledge in the field.

Texas Tech Selected for Upward Bound Math and Science Grant

Texas Tech University’s Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion was recently selected by the Department of Education to receive the Upward Bound Math & Science Grant. The grant will focus on serving 60 high school students each year in the Lubbock Independent School District (LISD). One of the seven federally funded TRIO programs, Upward Bound Math & Science supports high school students from families in which neither parent or guardian holds a bachelor’s degree, also known as first-generation students; and helps high school students from low-income backgrounds succeed academically and ultimately graduate from college.

Send us Your News and Pictures

HACU-member institutions can send news, photos and their logo for publishing consideration in an upcoming magazine edition. Send to news@hacu.net.

The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Liberal and Fine Arts has been selected to receive a five-year, $2.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop a new model that could be used to study biological aging. It is the largest grant COLFA researchers have ever received. The research project will focus on understanding why some individuals retain good health into old age while others experience declines in their health, physical function and wellbeing. A team of researchers will monitor several groups of capuchin monkeys in a study site called Santa Rosa within the Área de Conservación Guanacaste in Costa Rica.

Viginia

support retention

Marymount University has received a grant award from the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP), providing over $2 million in grant support over a five-year period to enhance the institution’s student academic support infrastructure. This funding will allow for the implementation of new High Impact Practices (HIP) aimed at improving student learning, retention and the University’s four-year graduation rate. The $2.02 million in funding allocated over the next five years will be utilized through the hiring of additional academic advisors, Supplemental Instruction Leaders, subject tutors, writing consultants, peer mentors, a student success navigator/coach and a teaching coach to support retention-driven classroom strategies and experiences.

NIH awards $2.4 million to UTSA researchers to study aging and health disparities

MU receives over $2 million to

HACU 36th Annual Conference on Hispanic Higher Education, Oct. 8-10, 2022

HACU kicked off its 36th Annual Conference, “Championing Hispanic Higher Education Success: Rebuilding a More Resilient and Inclusive America,” on Oct. 8, 2022, with a record breaking attendance of nearly 2,500 registrants. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores welcomed participants to its first in-person conference since 2019 and presented a State of HACU Address.

Among the attendees were over 700 undergraduate students participating in the HACU’s ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, the student track offered in conjunction with the conference.

The Opening Plenary celebrated two individuals for making outstanding contributions to Hispanic higher education with their induction into HACU’s Hall of Champions.

Raúl Cárdenas was the founding president of South Mountain Community College, when HACU was founded in 1986. His institution became a HACU charter institution, and he served on the board of directors and chair in 1990-92.

He recalled the first Annual Conference of the Association in Albuquerque with fewer than 100 attendees. Cárdenas conveyed his amazement on the record attendance and the accomplishments of the Association through the years and said the past board member would be appreciative of HACU’s work.

“You’ve also played a significant role in the whole arena of higher education,” he said. “In the past there were no significant organizations to represent Hispanics as we

(R) HACU’s Hall of Champions 2022 inductee, Raúl Cárdenas

have now,” said Cárdenas. “Today you have an advocacy growth - a very strong advocacy growth in the national arena, and that’s solely important.” He also gave credit to the founding president of the Association, Antonio Rigual for his passion and vision in creating the organization and the current leadership for expanding the Association.

At South Mountain Community College, Cárdenas was the first Hispanic and minority college president in the history of Arizona. As president, he helped create the Achieving a College Education Program, a nationally recognized scholarship program created in response to the high school dropout rate in South Phoenix among atrisk and underrepresented populations. Over the course of his career, he not only led two colleges, but he also sought to improve the field of higher education in his work with numerous regional and national associations. Cárdenas has earned accolades and support, garnering a national reputation for excellence in higher education.

Cárdenas also joined Flores on Oct. 9 as a panelist on “HSIs and Federal Legislation: 30 years of Advocacy and Success,” where the federal designation of HispanicServing Institutions through the reauthorization of the Higher Education Amendment of 1992 was the focus of the discussion. The impact of this designation is over $5 billion allocated for HSIs over the past three decades.

In a video message, Menendez expressed his appreciation for being inducted into HACU’s Hall of Champions. Menendez, who was the first in his family to go to college, spoke of the influence his mother had in his education and for believing in him. “She instilled in me the value of education, the key that unlocks the doors of opportunity in this country,” he said. “So today as I graciously accept this honor, alongside so many champions of education and opportunity, I feel as it has come full circle.”

Senator Menendez is co-chair of the first Senate HSI Caucus. As a proud alumnus of one of New Jersey’s leading Hispanic-Serving Institutions, he experienced first-hand the positive impact these institutions make in the lives of Hispanic students across the country by providing them with unparalleled academic and professional opportunities.

“Without HSIs, so many of our fellow Latinos would have been deprived of their birthright – A high-quality education that sets them up for success,” added Menendez. “Thank you for the work that you do on behalf of Latino students everywhere. Thank you for your commitment to making sure that each student can achieve their highest potential.”

A total of nine honorees were recognized for their contributions to improving opportunities for college students during the three-day conference events. The following awards were presented during HACU’s 36th Annual Conference.

The Outstanding Private Sector Partner award was presented to Dominion Energy in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission from a corporate partner.

The Outstanding Public Sector Partner was awarded to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission from a federal partner.

Also inducted into the Hall of Champions was Senator Robert Menendez, senior U.S. Senator from New Jersey and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

HACU presented three awards during a Partnership lunch on Oct. 10, 2022. Teresa Leyba Ruiz, president of Glendale Community College served as the convener for the event where three honorees were recognized.

The President’s Award of Excellence was presented to Michael Amiridis, Ph.D., President of the University of South Carolina.

The following HACU awards were presented during the Partnership Lunch:

The Exemplary Policy/Advocacy Leadership Award was presented to Senator Alex Padilla, (CA), in recognition of exemplary leadership and support of HACU’s policy issues.

of HACU’s mission.

HACU hosts California Hispanic- Serving Institutions Summit

HACU hosted a California Hispanic-Serving Institutions Summit on Oct. 9, 2022, to discuss higher education funding for underserved students and advocacy during the 36th Annual Conference.

A panel on “Higher Education Legislation and Budget Review,” moderated by Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes, included State Senator Connie M. Leyva, Assembly Member Sabrina Cervantes and Assembly member Jose Medina.

Discussions focused on California’s $308 billion budget which includes $41.6 billion for higher education institutions for the 2022-2023 academic year. Also discussed was how the budget is helping address pressing issues that HSIs continue to face, such as capacity building, deferred maintenance, and upgrades to labs to meet high demand.

College and university presidents, administrators, faculty and staff from California were among the attendees of the Summit. A Special Award for Exemplary Advocacy and Leadership was presented by HACU to Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes, Senator Connie M. Leyva, and Assembly Member Jose Medina.

The Outstanding HACU-Member Institution was awarded to Utah Valley University, in recognition of excellence in support

The Extraordinary Philanthropic Partner Award was presented to Capital One, in recognition of excellence in support of HACU’s mission from a philanthropic partner.

The following awards were presented during the Power Lunch

HACU President Antonio Flores presents Special Award for Exemplary Advocacy and Leadership to Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gomez Reyes

HACU President Antonio Flores gives welcome to CA HSI Summit.

HACU presented several awards during a Power Lunch held on Oct. 9, 2022. Mike Flores, chancellor of Alamo College District served as the convener for the Power Lunch where three honorees were recognized.

HACU hosted a Town Hall to discuss, “The Synergies of HSIs and Latino/as in Clean Energies: Making America the Powerhouse of the World’s Economic Prosperity.” The Town Hall took place on Oct. 10, 2022, as part of HACU’s 36th Annual Conference.

In a video message, Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm emphasized the importance of preparing students for careers in STEM and spoke of the initiatives of the Energy Department.

The Town Hall was moderated by: Irma Becerra, Ph.D., president of Marymount University. Speakers included Leo Moreno, president of AES Clean Energy, William “Bill” Murray, senior vice president, corporate affairs and communications for Dominion Energy and Pedro J. Pizarro, Ph.D., president and CEO of Edison International.

The discussion focused on how lessening the effects of climate change and affording environmental justice has become even more pressing as the world continues to recover from the pandemic. A panel of Fortune 500 Energy company CEOs and university leaders discussed the leadership role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in climate mitigation.

HACU president and CEO discusses HSIs at events at California campuses

HACU presented an International Plenary on, “Resilience, Recovery, and Retooling in Post-Pandemic Higher Education: Lessons learned and applied in diverse international settings,” on Oct. 10, 2022. The panel was moderated by Fernando León García, Ed.D., president of CETYS University and included Garnett S. Stokes, Ph.D., president of The University of New Mexico and Emma Grace Hernández Flores, Ph.D., president of Universidad de Iberoamérica. The Panel highlighted the depth of change of the past two years, which is unparalleled in recent history, and the major differences in technical and economic resources across nations and among institutions.

University of San Diego

T. Harris III

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores visited two universities in the San Diego area.

On Oct. 5, Flores spoke at a HACU on the Road luncheon hosted by the University of San Diego (USD). His presentation provided an outlook about Hispanics in education and workforce, and how HACU’s advocacy, programs and services provide support for HispanicServing Institutions and the students they serve.

USD held a Campus Forum showcasing a fire side chat with its president James T. Harris III and Flores, where they discussed best practices for HSIs. With the USD approaching the 25% threshold, the HSI designation was also a topic of discussion. Attendees included USD faculty, USD HSI council, and student leaders from the university.

Flores also visited the University of California, Riverside on Oct. 7 to meet with Chancellor Kim Wilcox and participate in a roundtable discussion on HSIs.

HACU Youth Leadership Development Forum held at San Diego State University

College Prep Workshop during Students in STEM Youth Leadership Development Forum HACU, in partnership with San Diego State University in San Diego, hosted a Students in STEM Youth Leadership Development Forum sponsored by the GM Foundation on Oct. 7, 2022. The YLDF brought together more than 300 students from San Diego and neighboring counties.

The YLDF, a pre-conference event of HACU’s Annual Conference, focused on empowering local youth and celebrating education and career opportunities in STEM. With the support of SDSU students, faculty, and staff, students explored pathways in STEM through hands-on experiences and also provided an overview of the college experience.

President James

and

HACU hosts Town Hall on the role of colleges, universities in addressing climate change

International Plenary panel focuses on innovating and retooling post-pandemic

(L-R) Irma Becerra, Ph.D., president of Marymount University; Pedro J. Pizarro, Ph.D., president and CEO of Edison International; Leo Moreno, president of AES Clean Energy, William “Bill” Murray, senior vice president, corporate affairs and communications for Dominion Energy and HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.

(L-R) U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs Ethan Rosenzweig; Garnett S. Stokes, Ph.D., president of The University of New Mexico; HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores; Emma Grace Hernández Flores, Ph.D., president of Universidad de Iberoamérica and Fernando León García, Ed.D., president of CETYS University.

TEXAS REGIONAL CONVENING ON STEM EDUCATION A Summary

Report

Hispanic Representation in the U.S. STEM Workforce

Broadening participation in the STEM workforce has long been a focus of state and federal stakeholders and policymakers. Federal efforts, in particular, have led to the development of policies and programs to increase the representation of women and minorities in STEM fields. Across the states, an increased emphasis on STEM education has resulted in various state and local initiatives to address diversity and inclusion in PK-12 and postsecondary education. Despite these longstanding efforts, current trends show that women and minorities remain underrepresented in today's STEM workforce.

Notably, the underrepresentation of Hispanic adults in the STEM workforce is both pronounced and persistent. According to Pew Research Center (2021), Hispanic workers made up 17% of total U.S. employment in 2019 but only 8% of all STEM workers. Within the last decade, while STEM degree attainment has increased among Hispanic students, the Hispanic gap in STEM workforce has only slightly narrowed. Between 2010 and 2018, the percentage of Hispanic students earning a bachelor's degree in a STEM field increased from 8% to 12% and yet the Hispanic share of the STEM workforce has grown one percentage point since 2011.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is estimated that there will be over one million new STEM jobs within the next decade, representing a 10.8% increase from 2017. As the fastest growing and youngest demographic group, Hispanics are key to improving diversity in the STEM workforce.

On September 11-12, 2022, to discuss the challenge of increasing Hispanic representation in STEM fields, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) brought a group of STEM leaders from Texas higher education institutions together. This report summarizes their feedback and insights.

TEXAS REGIONAL CONVENING

As part of a NSF INCLUDES planning grant, HACU convened 47 STEM leaders from Texas higher education to engage in a broader conversation about increasing Hispanic representation in the STEM workforce. Represented in the meeting were leaders from four-year and two-year HispanicServing Institutions (HSls), both private and public. The two-day event consisted of five whole sessions and several concurrent roundtable sessions. The sessions covered a range of topics that emphasized the need for leaders at HSls to address opportunities for STEM initiatives that support Hispanic students.

The purpose of the gathering was twofold. The first objective was to provide STEM leaders at HSls with resources and tools that ensure Hispanic student success in STEM education. The second objective was to allow STEM leaders to discuss how to support students including issues related to applying for STEM funding.

Below is a summary of the feedback shared about the convening. This is followed by a synopsis of each of the discussions regarding strategies to support Hispanic students in STEM and STEM funding issues.

FEEDBACK

Seventy percent (n = 33) of all STEM leaders who attended completed a survey to provide feedback regarding the convening. All of them expressed that their experience participating in the Texas Regional Convening met or exceeded their expectations. The majority of participants shared that the convening's objectives were achieved (66% very well or extremely well). Overall, these STEM leaders indicated that they found the sessions relevant and useful to their work.

When asked what was most significant about their experience, 79% of the participants who responded (19 out of 24) expressed that it was the opportunity to meet and network with colleagues who are interested in improving undergraduate STEM education. One participant even shared that, in addition to the network opportunity, they were inspired to "staying in this line of work and pursuing a Ph.D."

What strategies have worked at your institution to support minority/Hispanic students in a STEM track?

As part of the convening, HACU staff had STEM leaders engage in several activities. In one of them, they were asked to consider a series of question prompts such as what has worked to support minority/Hispanic students in a STEM track. Below are the top strategies discussed among STEM leaders.

• Peer mentoring

• Academic Coaching

• Undergraduate research opportunities

• Early academic indicators and recovery efforts

• Employment as supplemental instructors and tutors in the STEM lab

OVERCOMING BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES TO STEM FUNDING

After discussing the barriers and challenges they have experienced when applying for STEM funding, HACU staff facilitated a brainstorming session with STEM leaders on how to overcome the top 3 challenges and barriers. Below are the thoughts that were shared.

LACK OF COLLABORATION ACROSS INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER PARTNERS

STEM leaders discussed the importance of staying connected with colleagues both within their local institutions and across HSls. They deliberated the idea of creating local ecosystems for knowledge sharing and regular non-time intensive connections. Related to this, they considered how HACU could serve as platform for such institutional collaborations.

LACK OF SUPPORT WITH GRANT WRITING AND DEVELOPMENT

STEM leaders discussed the need for trainings, webinars, and institutional support. They also considered ideas like having external grant writers and editors to support the grant writing process or serving as an NSF reviewer. Other ideas included working with upper administration for dedicated support staff and forming peer review groups. They wondered if NSF could provide resources for community-based organizations to partner with institutions of higher education.

LACK OF RECOGNITION ON THE PART OF ADMINISTRATION ABOUT GRANT DEVELOPMENT

STEM leaders shared the need to meet with all stakeholders involved in driving the grant's success at all levels to ensure they have an understanding of the goals and what role they play in its success. They questioned whether HACU and other large national entities could advocate to educate administrators about the value of the work of the faculty who write successful grants.

BARRIERS AND CHALLENGES TO STEM FUNDING

STEM leaders were asked to discuss what barriers or challenges they have experienced or are experiencing when applying for STEM funding, specifically NSF funding. Below are the top five barriers and challenges that emerged from the conversation.

COLLABORATION

There is a lack of collaboration across institutions and other partners.

SUPPORT

There is little institutional support with grant writing and development.

RECOGNITION

There is a lack of administration recognition regarding the effort to write, submit, and carry out the grant if awarded.

DATA

There is a need for additional institutional data including deeper data dives to tell a compelling story in grant applications.

BUY-IN

There is a lack of institution buy-in or support for grant application efforts.

LESSONS LEARNED IN NSF GRANT WRITING

To finish our discussion related to STEM funding, HACU staff had STEM leaders, many of whom have been NSF grant recipients in the past, share their experience and the lessons learned in NSF grant writing. Their thoughts were captured as do's and don'ts when applying for an NSF grant on an interactive whiteboard.

+ Ask questions of the Program Directors, especially at NSF. They are usually very helpful.

+ Read the Request for Proposal (RFP). Read the RFP. Read the RFP.

+ Have a great relationship with your program officer.

+ Get at the point of proposal and plan for reality.

+ Put together a group of stakeholders, especially from community-based organizations, who can engage with faculty and administrators in critical conversations.

+ Be positive and share the data that is there detailing why you need to expand funding opportunities.

+ Contextualize your needs for funding clearly.

+ Network with everyone, both internally and externally. You are the best advocate and can create connections/ impact/opportunities to collaborate at every turn.

CONCLUSION

- Don't underestimate the time required to do the work.

- Don't think that you have all the answers.

- Don't write a proposal that is not supported by your institution's administration.

- Don't wait to figure out how you will implement the grant until the funding is secured. Have a plan and stick to it.

- Don't build your support groups close to grant submission, work with teams and leverage them throughout the year regardless of funding.

- Don't estimate budget. Be as realistic as possible to ensure enough funding is allocated.

- Don't stay in silos. Remember if you have an idea, chances are you have supporters/collaborators doing similar work.

HSls serve about two-thirds of the Hispanic undergraduates in the U.S. Because of the untapped potential within HSls to increase Hispanic representation in the STEM workforce, it is important for STEM leaders in these institutions to establish and maintain partnerships that will facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is committed to expanding on the success of the first convening of STEM leaders across the state of Texas to other regions of the U.S. Through regionaI meetings, we hope to identify high impact practices that empower our Hispanic students to overcome the barriers and challenges they face in the STEM fields. HACU invites STEM leaders and institutions to join our future efforts to diversify the STEM workforce.

HACU President and CEO Antonio Flores in Salamanca, Spain for meetings on its 2024 international conference and collaborations

President and CEO Antonio R. Flores, HACU staff with representatives in Salamanca, Spain:

Ricardo Rivero Ortega, Rector of the University of Salamanca

Dr. Ricardo Rivero Ortega, José Miguel Sánchez Llorante, Pilar Jiménez Tello,

Fernando Castaño, Consejero de Cultura y Turismo, Salamanca City Hall

Fundación Madrid, Federico Morán, Director

of SEPIE, ICEX, USAL and Dirección General de Español

Representatives of La Universidad de Nebrija, Rector Muñiz and Gregorio Martinez

Fundación Duques de Soria- Observatorio Permanente del Hispanismo. Representatives: Jaime Olmedo, Vicepresidente de la Fundación Duques de Soria y director técnico de la Real Academia de la Historia, Guillermo Escribano, Director General del Español en el Mundo, Gloria Mínguez, Vocal Asesora, (Secretaría de Estado para Iberoamérica y el Caribe y el Español en el Mundo), Rafael Benjumea, Director de la Fundación y María López, Secretaría Ejecutiva de la Fundación

HACU has announced its 14th International Conference will take place in Salamanca, Spain, June 3-5, 2024. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and staff were in Salamanca, Spain for collaboration meetings and initial planning meetings. The HACU delegation included David Méndez, Ph.D., chief of staff and special assistant to the president; Oralia de los Reyes, Ph.D., assistant vice president for programs and services; and Silvia Kennison, executive director of conferences.