The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education - Fall 2024
HACU announces 2024-25 Leadership Academy/ La Academia de Liderazgo
By making a contribution to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) you make it possible for us to keep Championing Hispanic Success in Higher Education. Help support our future.
is
The “H” in the HACU logo, formed by a figure representing Hispanics standing with arms outstretched, reaching toward the future between two pillars symbolizing higher education; and the acronym for HACU’s “Hispanic Alliance to Champion Higher Education” (HACHE).
OF HISPANIC HIGHER EDUCATION VOLUME 33 | NUMBER 3 | FALL 2024
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
Graphic Designer
Michael Lopez michael.lopez@hacu.net
Writer Lupe Flores news@hacu.net
HISPANIC ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES GOVERNING BOARD 2023-24
Mike Flores, Chair
Chancellor
Alamo Colleges District San Antonio, Texas
Juan S. Muñoz, Vice Chair
Chancellor
University of California, Merced Merced, California
Emma Grace Hernández Flores
Secretary
President Universidad de Iberoamérica San José, Costa Rica
Irma Becerra, Treasurer
President Marymount University Arlington, Virginia
Federico Zaragoza
Substitute for Past-Chair
Former President College of Southern Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada
Ted Alejandre
Superintendent San Bernardino County Schools San Bernadino, California
Adela de la Torre
President San Diego State University San Diego, California
Abel Antonio Chávez
President
Our Lady of the Lake University San Antonio, Texas
Cynthia Larive
Chancellor University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, California
Daniel López
President
Harold Washington College City Colleges of Chicago Chicago, Illinois
Gary May
Chancellor University of California, Davis Davis, California
Margaret McMenamin
President Union College Cranford, New Jersey
Brad Mortensen
President Weber State University Ogden, Utah
Greg Peterson
President Salt Lake Community College Salt Lake City, Utah
Frank D. Sánchez
President Manhattanville University Purchase, New York
Garnett S. Stokes
President
The University of New Mexico Albuquerque, New Mexico
Luke Visconti
Chairman and Founder Fair360, LLC West Palm Beach, Florida
Ex-Officio: Antonio R. Flores
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
Email: hacu@hacu.net
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. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging HispanicServing Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters is in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C, Sacramento, California, and Chicago, Illinois. 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 Western Regional Office 1107 9th Street, Suite 850 Sacramento, CA 95814
Tel: (916) 442-0392
Fax: (916) 446-4028
Email: wro@hacu.net
Midwestern Regional Office c/o Impact House 200 W. Madison St. Chicago, Illinois 60606
tel: (773) 733-0755
email: MWRO@hacu.net
HACU announces 2024-25
Academy/ La Academia de Liderazgo
This fall we witnessed the historic issuing of Executive Order 14124 by the Biden Administration, establishing the President’s Board of Advisors for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. After decades of advocating and urging the creation of this board, which would place HSIs on a level playing field that other cohorts of Minority-Serving Institutions have prospered from, we are able to finally see the rewards of our collective efforts. Please take a moment to visit our online advocacy center and sign a letter requesting the Board of Advisors be recognized with a White House ceremony. We ask you to please share this call to action with your higher education communities. See the article in this issue providing details on this landmark step.
We also welcome the sixth cohort of the 2024-25 HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, which brings together academic professionals to prepare for senior executive roles at HSIs and emerging HSIs. The program is designed to increase Hispanic representation in higher education presidential positions, with the latest cohort featured on this issue’s cover. The ongoing success of the Academy, with nine Fellows in presidential positions since the inception of the program, demonstrates the demand and need for these types of professional development initiatives to strengthen our institutions for long-term success.
We always look forward to our Annual Conference, now in its 38th year taking place November 1-3, 2024, in Aurora, Colorado at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. The event features an exceptional line up of speakers as well as a slate of HSIs best practices, workshops, plenaries and luncheons celebrating the contributions of our honorees to Hispanic higher education success. We continue to offer our exemplary pre-conference events, the 23rd Annual Latino Higher Education Leadership Institute, 10th PreK-12 Higher Education Collaboration Symposium, the 13th Annual Dean’s Forum, the Second Annual Women’s Leadership Symposium, and for students the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute. We hope to see you there!
Sincerely,
Antonio R. Flores President and CEO
HACU attends Inaugural New England Hispanic and Minority Serving Institutions Conference
HACU staff members were among presenters at the Inaugural New England Hispanic and Minority-Serving Institutions Conference, “From Enrolling to Thriving: Transforming Hispanic and MinorityServing Institutions,” hosted by HACU-member institution Salem State University in Salem, Mass., on July 18-19, 2024.
Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations Lena T. Rodriguez gave a special welcome message from HACU. Rodriguez also joined Director of Government Relations Xiomara Santos, and Executive Director of HACU’s National Internship Program Diana Vasquez as a panelist during, “HACU’s National Policy Briefing and Internship Presentation.” The HACU session provided an overview on higher education policies affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions, the latest Capitol Hill developments and federal funding status as well as best practices for amplifying messaging and outreach. Information about opportunities available for college students through the HACU National Internship Program were also discussed.
HACU holds Capital One Launchpad: Legacy & Leadership Program for college students
HACU, Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Capital One brought college students from across the U.S. to the five-day immersion experience at the Capital One Headquarters in McLean, Va., July 8–12, 2024.
The joint immersion experience focused on career exploration and professional development. Students had the opportunity to work directly with Capital One mentors who guided them toward a final capstone presentation that concluded the week’s events. Upon completion of the five-day program, students were eligible for a stipend to support their academic studies.
Additionally, students will be sponsored to attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 38th Annual Conference, taking place from Nov. 1-3, 2024, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center. Click here for a full list of participating students.
Photos and a list of HACU-member institutions participating in the event can be viewed at hacu.net.
2024 National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week
Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the country were recognized by President Biden and Congress for National HSIs Week taking place during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated Sept. 15-Oct 15. The White House issued a proclamation on Sept. 6, 2024, designating Sept. 9-15 National HSIs Week. A bipartisan Senate resolution led by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas-20) recognized the week and acknowledged the achievements of 600 HSIs throughout the nation.
The week was also marked by HACU's President and CEO Antonio R. Flores speaking at Goshen College’s Yoder Public Affairs Lecture on Sept. 12, 2024, on “The Relevance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the Midwest and at Goshen College.” During National HSIs Week, Flores also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Puerto Rico Department of State, signed an MOU with the U.S. Department of Commerce, as well as providing remarks at the CHIPS and Science Act Congressional briefing hosted by the Congressional HispanicServing Institutions Caucus.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and Puerto Rico Department of State Secretary of State Omar J. Marrero Díaz sign MOU.
The President’s Board of Advisors for Hispanic-Serving Institutions
On July 17, 2024, a significant step was taken by President Biden in advancing Hispanic higher education success, signing the Executive Order establishing a President’s Board of Advisors for Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The board will advise the White House and federal agencies on approaches and resources expanding and strengthening participation in federal capacity-building grant opportunities. HSIs have historically been excluded from participation in any number of federal capacity-building grant opportunities because federal statutes and regulations do not explicitly target them, and/or a lack of resources compared to other institutions put them at a competitive disadvantage.
The effort by HACU for the President’s Board of Advisors for HSIs began years ago, becoming an advocacy effort that has up until this year had only been a dream unfulfilled. The lack of a Board similar to those advising presidents of other cohorts of Minority-Serving Institutions, meant that HSIs were not provided access to opportunities equitable within the higher education landscape. This Executive Order rectifies this inequity and promises to increase the capacities of HSIs across the nation.
“HACU is committed to working with the White House in putting all the elements of the Executive order into effect, and we are especially grateful to President Biden for signing this historic and transformational Executive Order,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “The effect this will have on our institutions educating the most diverse student bodies in our nation is that they will now start to receive the support needed to ensure their success. It is up to all of us dedicated to the mission of Hispanic higher education success to uplift and amplify these efforts.”
There are a number of benefits and opportunities that become available in the application of this Executive Order that will lead to tangible and significant changes in how well HSIs serve their students, local communities and the nation as a whole.
The order will initially work to increase awareness of Federal program opportunities which enable HSIs to participate equally in contrast to other institutions, equitably enhancing HSI capacity to meet the
educational needs of their students. It will also help identify best practices for HSIs to develop effective strategies, programs, and initiatives that support the success of their students as they navigate their way through higher education and ensure their economic mobility once they enter the nation’s workforce.
The ability of HSIs to align program offerings with the economic needs of the country and their local communities, especially in science, technology, engineering, STEM, as well as teaching, will also be a focus for improvement. Part of this effort involves providing tools, data, and analytics to support these colleges and universities in improving educational equity, excellence, and economic opportunity for students. HSIs already serve as incubators for teachers and STEM professionals, and the Executive Order aligns support that bolsters these efforts further.
An especially vital part of the order will be a focus on coordinating efforts to help HSIs become or remain fiscally secure institutions. Institutions across the country of every type and designation saw fiscal challenges rise during the pandemic and exposed long-standing inequities and inequalities among colleges and universities that had less funding to draw upon, with many smaller schools shuttering their doors permanently. Maintaining financial stability among HSIs will assure the students who attend and hope to enroll in the future that the school they attend is on solid footing for the long-term.
HSIs are direct pipelines into the nation’s economy in every sector, and the Executive Order recognizes their vital role by fostering cross-sector collaboration among HSIs and philanthropic, public, and private organizations. This is especially true in the federal sector, which has long been a field that has served as a path towards middle class status for underrepresented communities. Strengthening federal recruitment activities at HSIs will build and strengthen these accessible and equal pathways into career opportunities for HSI students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Help secure a formal White House signing ceremony for Executive Order 14124. This is a historic moment for our HSIs, and we need your support to ensure it is recognized at the highest level.
HACU President speaks before President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores spoke at the President’s Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics’ public meeting on July 25, 2024, on President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14124 creating a new White House Initiative and President’s Board of Advisors on Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores also provided remarks as part of the panel “Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Hispanic-Serving Institutions,” and was joined by Excelencia in Education Co-Founder and President Sarita Brown; University of Arizona Vice President for Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives Marla Franco, Ph.D.; and Cerritos Community College District President/Superintendent Jose Fierro, Ph.D., who also serves as president of the National Community College Hispanic Council.
HACU on the Road visits San
José, Costa Rica
HACU visited San José, Costa Rica on Sept. 16, 2024, as part of its HACU on the Road tour. The event brought together members of the higher education community and leaders from the surrounding area for presentations from HACU's Vice President and Chief of Staff David Mendez and HACU Assistant Vice President for Programs and Services Oralia De Los Reyes.
The event hosted by Universidad de Iberoamérica included a welcome from UNIBE's President Emma Grace Hernández Flores and Rector Israel Hernández Morales. The HACU presentation included a discussion on the state of Hispanic higher education and HACU programs and international initiatives. Other topics discussed included supporting Hispanic student success, advocacy, and other initiatives.
HACU on the Road is an initiative designed to promote national and international dialogue about the state of Hispanic higher education among chancellors, presidents of colleges and universities, superintendents of Hispanic-Serving School Districts, corporate leaders, and other supporters of Hispanic higher education.
Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.
Attendees of the HACU on the Road event in San Jose, Costa Rica.
Israel Hernández Morales, rector, UNIBE speaks to attendees of HACU on the Road.
HACU joins Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City
HACU’s President and CEO Antonio R. Flores attended a celebration honoring 248 years of U.S. Independence, hosted by Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. The event commemorated the anniversary and highlighted the creative and economic impact of the film industry in both Mexico and the U.S. Ambassador Salazar read a congratulatory letter during the event from Mexico’s new president Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the first woman president of a nation in North America.
“Our nation counts Mexico as the closest of our neighbors, sharing an economic and cultural destiny that is the foundation of our joint success now and in the future,” said Flores. “The celebration of America’s fight for independence is rightfully shared by all nations and their citizens that value the liberties and freedoms inspired by the Declaration of Independence.”
Also in attendance at the celebration were Mexico’s Foreign Minister Juan Ramon de la Fuente, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Victor Manuel Villalobos, as well as other federal officials, governors, legislators and representatives of the private sector and civil organizations.
HACU National Internship Program bids farewell to summer interns with a virtual ceremony
HACU bid farewell to its 2024 summer interns with a virtual ceremony on Aug. 8, 2024, for students who served internships with federal agencies across the country as part of the HACU National Internship Program.
HNIP Executive Director Diana Vasquez welcomed and congratulated the students on completing their internship. A keynote address was given by Virgilio Barrera, former HNIP intern and current senior vice president for Cassidy & Associates. Remarks were given by current interns Thaniya Shankar, Victoria Macali, and David Muñoz, who shared their internship experiences for this session.
Over 100 students from colleges and universities across the country interned for a total of 10 weeks, with a list available online. The following agencies in the Washington, D.C., metro area and field offices throughout the country provided the internships opportunities:
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Farm Credit Association
Federal Reserve Board
Library of Congress
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
National Science Foundation
Small Business Administration
U.S. Agency for Global Media
U.S. Agency for International Development
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Food and Drug Administration
National Institute of Health
U.S. Department of the Treasury
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Internal Revenue Service
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores and U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar
Welcome New Members
As of August 27, 2024
Hispanic-Serving Institutions
American River College (Calif.)
Carlos Albizu University - Miami Campus (Fla)
Cerritos Community College District (Calif.)
Community College of Rhode Island (R.I.)
County College of Morris (N.J.)
Mercer County Community College (N.J.)
Merritt College (Calif.)
New Jersey Institute of Technology (N.J.)
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (Ark.)
Seminole State College of Florida (Fla.)
Associate Member Institution
Collin County Community College District (Texas)
Forsyth Technical Community College (N.C.)
Randolph College (Va.)
University of North Georgia (Ga.)
Faculty/Staff Affiliates
Rodrigo Guajardo, University of Georgia (Ga.)
Dr. Konane M. Martinez, California State University, San Marcos (Calif.)
Dr. Melvin F. Simoyi, Heritage University (Wash.)
ProTalento
New Presidents
HACU-member institutions welcome new presidents at their institutions.
Jerry E. Fliger, Ph.D.
President Bakersfield College
Britt Rios-Ellis, Ph.D.
President California State University, Stanislaus
Matt Gianneschi, Ph.D.
President
Colorado Mountain College
Katrina Bell-Jordan, Ph.D.
President
Northeastern Illinois University
Bruce Moses, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President Palo Verde College
José A. Frontera Agenjo
President Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Puerto Rico
Hubert Benitez, Ph.D.
President Saint Peter’s University
Suresh V. Garimella, Ph.D.
President The University of Arizona
Julio Frenk, M.D., Ph.D.
Chancellor
University of California, Los Angeles
Harrison Keller, Ph.D.
President
University of North Texas
Claudia Lourido-Habib, Ed.D.
President
Ventura College
National HACU-member institutions receive Inspiring Programs in STEM Award
The Insight Into Diversity Inspiring Programs in STEM Award recognizes an institution’s individual colleges’ programs and initiatives that encourage and support the recruitment and retention of women and underrepresented students into all STEM fields, including but not limited to science and research fields, technology, engineering, and all math fields.
The HACU-member institutions and their programs receiving the 2024 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award are:
Arizona State University
• Migratory Student Summer Academy (MSSA)
• Online Undergraduate Research Scholars (OURS) Program
• Future Leaders and Geoscience High-Road Internship Program (FLAGSHIP)
• Arizona State University College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Scholars Project
Eastern Washington University
• CSTEM Inclusive Teaching Academy
Indiana University Indianapolis
• Department of Earth and Environmental Science geoFLIP program
• Girls STEM Institute
• IPREP Post-Baccalaureate Research Education Program
Mount Mary University
• MMU Jewel Scholars Program
New York Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Architecture
Santa Clara University
• Summer Engineering Seminar (SES) Program
Southern Connecticut State University
• The SCSU Innovation Hub
Springfield Technical Community College
• STEM Starter Academy
St. Mary’s University School of Science, Engineering and Technology
• Computer Science Summer Tech Camps
Texas Christian University
• TCU STEM Scholar Program
UC Riverside School of Medicine
• California Medicine Scholars Program
University at Albany, State University of New York
• The University at Albany EXCELlence in STEM Program
University at Buffalo, State University of New York
• Destination Dental School
University of California, Davis
• Summer Health Institute for Nursing Exploration & Success
University of California, Santa Cruz
• Research Mentoring Internship (RMI)
University of Houston
• STEM RISE (STEM Research Inquiry Summer Enrichment)
University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus
• Neuroscience Research Opportunities to Increase Diversity (NeuroID) program
University of Tennessee-Tickle College of Engineering
• Dwight Hutchins Office of Engineering Diversity Programs
U.S. Department of Education awards grants to improve college completion rates for underserved students
The U.S. Department of Education awarded more than $40 million in grant awards to improve completion rates for underserved students provided under the Postsecondary Student Success Grant (PSSG) program to equitably result in improved outcomes for underserved students, including retention, transfer, credit accumulation, and completion by leveraging data and implementing, scaling, and rigorously evaluating evidence-based approaches.
Three of the grantees are HACU-member institutions, in bold:
California State University, Fresno Foundation
New York Institute of Technology
Portland State University
Jarvis Christian University
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Member colleges and universities receive Inaugural Leadership for Public
Purpose Classification
Twenty-five U.S. colleges and universities received the first Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose Classification, an elective designation awarded by the American Council on Education, the Doerr Institute for New Leaders at Rice University, and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. This classification recognizes institutions that have committed to campus-wide efforts to advance leadership in pursuit of public goods like justice, equity, diversity, and liberty.
Institutions in bold are HACU-member institutions:
Arizona State University
Boise State University
California State University-Fresno
Claremont McKenna College
Creighton University
East Carolina University
Florida International University
Fort Hays State University
Gettysburg College
James Madison University
Miami Dade College
Montclair State University
Oklahoma State University
Oral Roberts University
Rice University
Saint Peter’s University
San Antonio College
Simmons University
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
U.S. Naval Academy
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
University of Cincinnati
University of Portland
Valparaiso University
Wartburg College
Alabama UAB wins national recognition with the 2024 Better Practice Awards
The University of Alabama at Birmingham was presented the 2024 Better Practice Awards at the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Better Plants Summit in Washington, D.C., in the Better Buildings category. The annual award highlights innovative and industry-leading accomplishments in implementing and promoting practices, principles and procedures of energy management. UAB was one of only eight organizations, and one of only two universities to receive awards this year.
Arizona AWC named Triple E Awards finalist for America’s Most Impactful
University of the Year
Arizona Western College was nominated for the Triple E Awards finalist for America’s Most Impactful University of the Year, one of five institutions across North and South America to be recognized, for its creation of the Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College. The Triple E Awards are a global recognition of efforts towards entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education to foster change in universities and emphasize their role in their communities. AWC’s entrepreneurial initiatives include a comprehensive collection of programs and partnerships that provide students with hands-on experience, training, and technology, keeping the college attuned to the evolving needs of the job market.
District of Colombia
Catholic University of America awarded $5 million government grant
HACU-member institutions can send news, photos and their logo for publishing consideration for the winter magazine edition. Deadline is October 31, 2024. Send to news@hacu.net.
Catholic University of America received a multi-year, $5 million National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Avant-Garde Award Program for HIV and Substance Use Disorder Research grant. The award supports innovative and creative scientists who propose high-impact research that will open new areas of HIV research and lead to potentially transformation avenues for the prevention and treatment of HIV among people who use drugs.
Florida
Hillsborough Community College Quality Early Education System receives $2.9 million grant
Hillsborough Community College received a $2.9 million grant funded through the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County to support the Quality Early Education System (QEES) annually for the next six years. QEES has four components to deliver services: HCC-Pathways, the Conscious Awareness Learning Model, Early Literacy Matters, and Business Management and Operations. This model is designed to streamline professional development, promote high-quality early learning, increase kindergarten readiness and support educators and caretakers.
Illinois Waubonsee receives grant helping student careers in water sector
Waubonsee Community College received a three-year, $350,000 grant from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education Program, funding “Waubonsee Water Ways: Building Pathways to Careers in the Water Sector.” Waubonsee is building a water and wastewater technician certificate program scheduled to debut in the fall 2025 semester, where students will gain hands-on work experience required for industry certification along with traditional coursework.
Indiana
Calumet College of St. Joseph awarded $15 million grant
Calumet College of St. Joseph received a grant of $15 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration, and funds will support the Community as Campus, Campus as Community initiative. The grant will support economic and workforce development, enhance ‘pride in place,’ increase non-profit capacity throughout the region, develop healthy spaces for recreation and athletic activity, and enhance the curbside appeal of the campus.
Holy Cross to establish Center for Leadership and Professional Excellence
Holy Cross College will create the Center for Leadership and Professional Excellence in downtown South Bend in collaboration with the University of Notre Dame, established as part of a tech and talent district partially funded by a $30 million grant to Notre Dame from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration. The center in South Bend will provide college credit-earning credentialing programs for a wider variety of individuals – particularly high school students, tech-skilled workers, and formerly incarcerated individuals who are in the process of societal reentry.
Iowa Grinnell College awarded grant from Roy J. Carver Trust
Grinnell College has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the Roy J. Carver Trust, significantly bolstering infrastructure improvements at the Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA) and support several key projects at CERA, including for faculty, staff, and student interns to connect with staff at other field stations across the state, and fund events to engage campus partners in exploring how CERA can enhance their research, teaching, and programming.
Massachusetts Massachusetts awards two HACU-member institutions Higher Education Innovation Fund grants
Bunker Hill Community College and Salem State University are partnering to create a Hispanic-Serving Institution conference to welcome and enroll Latino students and prepare to better serve them with a grant of $247,165 awarded by the state of Massachusetts. Efforts will include the creation of a consortium planning committee, the delivery of campus specific professional development, development and delivery of high-impact practices, the creation of a student leadership summit for Latino and students of color, a convening of an HSI conference and planning committee, and post-conference implementation.
STCC awarded grant to expand patient simulation lab
Springfield Technical Community College received a $306,643 Skills Capital Grant from Massachusetts to purchase six patient simulators for the school of health and patient simulation and workforce development programs to use in training. The grant is awarded by the state’s Workforce Skills Cabinet and will expand access to maternal and neonatal training for students.
Nevada
$1.7 million awarded to the College of Southern Nevada and Great Basin College
Nevada’s Office of Economic Development Board approved grants from the Workforce Innovations for a New Nevada (WINN) fund to support industry-led workforce training programs. The College of Southern Nevada received $376,000 to launch a logistics and operations training initiative at their North Las Vegas campus and Westside Education and Training Center. CSN was also awarded $485,000 by the WINN Program to help complete a nursing expansion effort at the North Las Vegas campus. The WINN program awarded Great Basin College $832,230 as part of a larger project to bolster advanced training in the mining sector providing training in the mining sphere, as well as equipment and technology.
New Jersey
Kean University President addresses Democratic National Convention Black Caucus
Kean University President Lamont O. Repollet addressed the Democratic National Convention Black Caucus on the 2024 election’s effect on communities of color across the United States and the need for young people, particularly college students, to engage in the electoral process.
Repollet highlighted Kean University’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and justice, noting the institution’s status as both a Minority Serving Institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution. He also called attention to the significant challenges facing communities of color, including threats to voting rights and women’s rights, attacks on diversity and inclusion programs, and the ongoing struggle for social and environmental justice.
New York
Dominican University awarded federal grant for new occupational therapy initiative
Dominican University New York has been awarded a three-year, $432,714 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education to fund the new occupational therapy Building Capacities and Strengthening Communities Initiative, cultivating a diverse and multilingual workforce in New York State to support children and families in underserved areas. The objectives include enhancing resources and experiential learning in the program, increasing and strengthening community partnerships, preparing students to be culturally-diverse learners and future practitioners, and creating a mobile pro bono occupational therapy clinic to bring services to underserved communities.
Texas
UTSA and UT Health San Antonio to merge
A plan to merge University of Texas at San Antonio and University of Texas Health San Antonio by 2025 will create the third largest comprehensive public research university in the state of Texas. The merger will bring the 35,000-student university and UT Health San Antonio’s six health care schools under one umbrella, with the new institution’s annual research expenditures reaching nearly $470 million. Once combined, the new school will include six campuses across San Antonio with more than 40,000 students. UTSA President Taylor Eighmy, who has led the university since 2017, will lead the new institution after approvals by a national accrediting agency.
The 2024-25 Cohort of the Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has announced the 45 fellows who will be part of the sixth cohort of its Leadership Academy/ La Academia de Liderazgo. The program is designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior level positions in higher education.
Fellows participate in leadership development activities that prepare them for leadership roles emphasizing service in Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs but are applicable to the full spectrum of institutions of higher learning.
The one-year fellowship program includes webinars and three seminars, with the first seminar be held in October 2024 in conjunction with HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado. The second seminar will be held in Washington, D.C., in April 2025, at HACU’s National Capitol Forum. The third seminar will take place in the summer of 2025, at an international location yet to be determined.
The Leadership Academy faculty consists of current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators combining over 100 years of experience serving numerous sectors of higher education, including private/public universities, community colleges and faithbased institutions. Mentorship with a university president or seniorlevel administrator is a key component of the program, as is the development of a special project designed to have an impact at the Fellow’s current institution.
Special thanks to American Federation of Teachers, Capital One Fellowship and Mellon Scholarship for their support in providing fellowships to select recipients.
The 2024-25 Fellows and their home institutions are:
Sylvia Y. Acosta, Ph.D., New Mexico State University Foundation
Vanessa K. Arellano, Ed.D., Pima Community College*
Tishra L. Beeson, Dr.PH., Central Washington University
Eugene C. Berger, Ph.D., Georgia Gwinnett College
Kristina Campos-Davis, Ph.D., Trinity University
Belkis Torres Capeles, Ph.D., Polk State College
Javier Clavere, D.M.A., University of the Incarnate Word***
Aaron Cortés, Northeastern Illinois University**
Carlos J. Crespo, Dr.PH., University of Illinois, Chicago
Víctor M. Dávila,Texas Lutheran University
José Dela Cruz, Ph.D., Portland Community College
Alejandro del Carmen, Ph.D., Tarleton State University***
Kevin Dvorak, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University***
Jorge F. Figueroa, Ph.D., Texas Woman’s University
Debra Flores, Ph.D., Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center**
Georgia Flores, Northeast Lakeview College
Deborah García, University of Texas at Arlington
Juan Manuel González Fernández, Ph.D., Universidad de Monterrey***
Jessica González Uhlig, Ed.D., Our Lady of the Lake University**
Juan Pablo Pardo-Guerra, Ph.D., University of California, San Diego
Felipe Hinojosa, Ph.D., Baylor University***
Luis Juárez, Ed.D., Criswell College***
Teresita Levy, Ph.D., Lehman College, CUNY***
Alberto Mendoza González Larreynaga, Antelope Valley College
Neva Lozada, Ed.D., Kean University
Liliana A. Madrid, Meredith College
Lorena V. Márquez, Ph.D., University of California, Davis***
Araceli Martínez Ortiz, Ph.D., University of Texas at San Antonio
Mónica M. Medrano, Central Washington University
Alejandra Villalobos Meléndez, Ed.D., University of New Mexico-Taos**
Vanessa Bográn Meling, Ed.D., University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Victoria Lynn Moe, San Antonio College
Jessica L. Moreno, Waubonsee Community College
Victoria Obregón, Ph.D., Colorado State University-Pueblo**
Irene Oujo, Ph.D., Fairleigh Dickinson University
Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., Eugenio María de Hostos Community College
Olivia Padilla-Jackson, Central New Mexico Community College
Jessenia Paoli, J.D., Bronx Community College
Roberto G. Reyes, Dallas College
Barbara L. Rodríguez, Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Lorri J. Santamaría, Ph.D., California Lutheran University
Nireata Seals, Ed.D., Central New Mexico Community College
Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Ph.D., University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Frances Valdovinos, Ed.D., University of California, Riverside
Felisha Herrera Villarreal, Ph.D., San Diego State University
*American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Fellowship recipient **Capital One Fellowship recipient ***Mellon Scholarship
Sylvia Acosta, Ph.D., currently serves as the chief executive officer of the New Mexico State University Foundation, directing an endowment of over $400 million, mentoring a team of 60 professionals, and aligning philanthropic priorities with institutional goals. She previously served the YWCA El Paso Del Norte Region, taking it from a multiyear deficit to positive cash flow, and spearheaded Hispanic outreach initiatives at the National Minority Supplier Development Council. She served the University of California, Irvine, in major fundraising campaigns and enhanced alumni engagement. Acosta has testified before the United States Congress and the United Nations Commission on the status of women, organized events against family separation at the border, and was recognized as a woman of impact, border hero and finalist for El Pasoan of the Year. Acosta earned a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s from St. Mary’s University, and a doctorate from New Mexico State University.
Vanessa K. Arellano, Ed.D., serves as the director of the office of the provost’s initiatives and assistant to the provost at Pima Community College. With 16 years at the college, she leads Hispanic-serving Institution initiatives, accreditation, assessment, student success and equity initiatives. Her experience spans student affairs in TRIO programs, workforce development and innovation, and academic affairs. She earned a bachelor’s from the University of Arizona, a master’s from Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate from Northern Arizona University.
Tishra Beeson, Dr.PH., is a professor and department chair for health sciences at Central Washington University. Beeson’s research focuses on evaluating policies and programs that improve the health of maternal and child populations, with a focus on health equity approaches to reducing disparities in access, quality, and outcomes of primary care. In addition to providing administrative leadership for CWU Health Science programs, Beeson teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework in U.S. health policy, maternal and child health, public health ethics, and qualitative research methods. She received a bachelor’s from Washington State University, a master’s from Oregon Health & Science University, and a doctorate from George Washington University.
Eugene C. Berger, Ph.D., is a professor of history at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, previously served as past chair of the history and geography department and is currently the co-coordinator of the college’s Latin American studies certificate. In 2023 the University of Alabama Press published his monograph entitled, “This Incurable Evil: Mapuche Resistance to Spanish Enslavement, 1598-1687.” He earned a master’s and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University.
Kristina Campos-Davis, Ph.D., is the chief of staff to the President at Trinity University, with over 25 years of experience as a professor and as a strategic communications leader. Campos-Davis began as an anchor and reporter before transitioning to college administration in strategic communications and marketing, most recently as chief of staff to the provost at Baylor University. She serves on the boards of organizations like the Junior League of Waco, Friends of the Waco Public Library, and the United Way of Waco-McLennan County. Campos-Davis’s earned a bachelor’s from Abilene Christian University, a master’s from Hardin-Simmons University, and a doctorate from Texas A&M University.
Belkis Torres-Capeles, Ph.D., serves as dean of workforce education at Polk State College. She also serves as a faculty member of Herzing University and Southern New Hampshire University. Prior leadership roles have included as an associate provost for community outreach and economic development, dean of the school of continuing education, executive director, and program manager in college and university systems. She also has experience in the corporate sector, advancing professional education for national and global corporations. Torres-Capeles earned a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from Kent State University.
Javier Clavere, D.M.A., is dean of the college of humanities, arts, and social sciences at the University of the Incarnate Word. He previously served as Mary McGaw Endowed Chair at Berea College, director of worship and liturgy at St. Margaret of York, director of worship at Corpus Christi Church, and director of music and bilingual director of the Diocese of Salt Lake City Bilingual Choir. He earned a bachelor’s from Brigham Young University, and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Cincinnati.
Aaron Cortés serves as the director of STEM Pathways at the Center for College Access and Success at Northeastern Illinois University, managing a range of college readiness and success programs across Chicago, Cicero, and Berwyn. Cortes is a fellow of several programs, including as Fulbright Specialist, Emerging Leaders of the Chicago Council for Global Affairs, Northwestern’s Center for Excellence in Computer Science Education, Multicultural Leadership Latino Policy, and the USDA E. Kika De la Garza program. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s from University of Illinois Chicago, and a master’s from the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Carlos J. Crespo, Dr.PH., is dean of the University of Illinois Chicago College of Applied Health Sciences and professor of kinesiology and nutrition. His research focuses on the epidemiology of physical activity in the prevention of chronic diseases, and was among the top-ranked principal investigators funded by the National Institutes of Health from 2014 to 2021. Crespo earned a bachelor’s from Inter American University in Puerto Rico, a master’s from Texas Tech University, and a doctorate from Loma Linda University.
Víctor M. Dávila is currently the HSI-Title V director at Texas Lutheran University and has been working for two decades at Texas HSIs. He has worked as an executive director, director or coordinator for most of his career in higher education, implementing advising, career readiness, coaching, faculty development, financial planning, student learning centers, outreach, tutoring and several student success program. He was a co-founding member of Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institute of Educators, serving as the founding vice president and served as vice president of finance. He co-authored a chapter in, “Hispanic Serving Institutions in Practice, Defining ‘Servingness’ at HSIs.” He earned a bachelor’s from Texas A&I University and a master’s from Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
José Dela Cruz, Ph.D., is currently the Vice President of Student Affairs at Portland Community College and has over 15 years of experience as a higher education practitioner. Prior to PCC, Dela Cruz held various administrative positions at Dallas College, Tulsa Community College, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Oklahoma, and a doctorate from Oklahoma State University.
Alejandro del Carmen, Ph.D., is regarded as a subject matter expert in policing practices and racial profiling, contributing to the criminal justice field through extensive research, publications, and media engagements. As associate dean at Tarleton State University, he established the institution’s first Ph.D. program and founded the school of criminology, criminal justice, and public administration. Del Carmen’s has also served as a Fulbright Specialist, collaborating internationally on police instruction and assessment with the Czech Republic. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, a master’s and doctorate from Florida State University, and is pursuing another master’s from Harvard University.
Kevin Dvorak, Ph.D., has worked at Hispanic-Serving Institutions for almost two decades and currently serves as executive director of the Nova Southeastern University writing and communication center; professor in the department of communication, media, and the arts; and faculty coordinator for First-Year Experience. He is a past president of the International Writing Centers Association and the Southeastern Writing Center Association, and currently serves as senior editor for the Journal of Faculty Development. Dvorak earned a bachelor’s from Fairleigh Dickinson University, a master’s from Sonoma State University, and a doctorate from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Jorge F. Figueroa, Ph.D., is vice provost for curriculum and strategic initiatives at Texas Woman’s University. He has over 25 years of experience working in higher education. Before becoming vice provost, he was the associate dean for research, inclusion, and innovation for the college of professional education, and is a tenured bilingual and ESL education professor in the school of education. Before coming to TWU, he was an associate professor and held several administrative positions at Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Carolina. He is a fellow of the New Leadership Academy, the Executive Leadership Academy, the Academy for Innovative Higher Education Leadership, and Cátedra ESCALAE. Figueroa earned a bachelor’s from Universidad de Puerto Rico-Cayey, a master’s from The University of Findlay, and a doctorate from Capella University.
Debra Flores, Ph.D., has 35 years of experience in the medical field, specializing in nursing, healthcare management, public health, grant writing, program implementation, rural health, community outreach, health literacy, and the training and development of community health workers. Flores transitioned into academia in 2006 and currently serves as an assistant professor and program director for the master of science in healthcare administration at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Health Professions. She earned a bachelor’s from Lubbock Christian University, a master’s from Wayland Baptist University, and a doctorate from Texas Tech University.
Georgia Flores is dean for student success at Northeast Lakeview College, leading initiatives to promote student success and lifelong learning. She has over twenty years of experience in higher education working with diverse student populations including veterans, first generation, and non-traditional students. Flores is a member of the National Community College Hispanic Council Leadership Fellows, which supports access and success at community colleges. She earned a bachelor’s from Columbia College, a master’s from the University of Texas Permian Basin and has been accepted into Texas Tech University’s doctoral program.
Deborah García is the deputy athletic director at The University of Texas at Arlington, dedicated to UT Arlington’s award-winning student-athlete leadership program, academic achievement, and conference championships throughout her more than 25 years of service. Her work includes service on the NCAA Volleyball Committee, athletic conference strategic planning committees, serving as a panelist at the Sun Belt Conference Diversity and Inclusion Summit, the WeCoach/WBCA convention, and as a speaker at the Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches national convention. She earned two bachelors’ from The University of Texas at Arlington.
Juan Manuel González Fernández, Ph.D., is chair of the film and communications department at the School of Education and Humanities at the Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico, where he has served as a professor since 1996. He was founder and director of the Monterrey International Film Festival for 18 years and has recently returned to screenwriting and film directing. He earned a master’s from the Art Center College of Design as a Fulbright Scholar, and a doctorate from Tec de Monterrey.
Jessica González Uhlig, Ed.D., is vice-president of institutional enrollment at Our Lady of the Lake University, with 25 years of experience in student recruitment and retention, mission integration, serving as associate provost for academic administration at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas, and dean of academic support services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Dayton, and a doctorate from Concordia University.
Juan Pablo Pardo-Guerra, Ph.D., is a professor of sociology at University of California San Diego, where he also directs the Latin American studies program and the International Institute. He has held academic and visiting positions at several institutions, including the London School of Economics, SciencesPo, and the Universidade Federal de Rio de Janeiro. His scholarly contributions focus on how societies create and are shaped by markets, and on the construction of platforms and bridges in higher education that empower students, faculty and staff. He earned a bachelor’s from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, and a master’s and doctorate from the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom.
Felipe Hinojosa, Ph.D., is the John and Nancy Jackson Endowed Chair in Latin America and professor of history at Baylor University. His research areas include Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies, American Religion, and Social Movements, and is the author of two books, “Latino Mennonites: Civil Rights, Faith, and Evangelical Culture,” “Apostles of Change: Latino Radical Politics, Church Occupations, and the Fight to Save the Barrio,” and is currently working on a book on the Latino civil rights movement and American democracy in the twentieth century. He earned a bachelor’s from Fresno Pacific University, a master’s from University of Texas Pan American, and a doctorate from the University of Houston.
Luis Juárez, Ed.D., is the vice president of student affairs and communications at Criswell College in Dallas, Texas, and is the first Hispanic appointed to the president’s executive cabinet at Criswell in 2021. Luis co-founded LiderPlus, a non-profit offering coaching, leadership training, and counseling to Hispanic families. Originally from Nicaragua, Luis received a bachelor’s from Baptist University of the Americas, a master’s from Dallas Baptist University and a doctorate from University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Teresita Levy, Ph.D., is the chair of and associate professor in the department of Latin American and Latino studies at Lehman College, where she has also served as the interim dean of the school of arts and humanities and as executive director of the office of international programs and community engagement. She is a historian and quantitative researcher, and her work focuses on the economic history of the Spanish Caribbean, particularly the cultivation of tobacco. Levy earned a bachelor’s from Rollins College, a master’s from Long Island University, and a master’s and doctorate from The Graduate Center, CUNY.
Alberto Mendoza González Larreynaga serves as the interim director of equity at Antelope Valley College, overseeing programs such as Umoja, Puente, and Focus180. With a decade of experience in higher education, he has held roles from adjunct faculty to social sciences department chair, contributing to initiatives like Guided Pathways and Achieving the Dream. He earned a bachelor’s from California State University, Northridge, and a master’s from California State University, Los Angeles.
Neva Lozada, Ed.D., currently serves as associate vice president of administration at Kean University, where she is responsible for leading and coordinating continuous improvement efforts that contribute to institutional effectiveness. In prior roles, Lozada spearheaded highimpact retention initiatives at both public and private institutions, and her work in academic support services and retention in higher education has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to global audiences. She has a bachelor’s and master’s from Monmouth University, and a doctorate from Rowan University.
Liliana A. Madrid currently serves as coordinator of campus community and culture at Meredith College. Her previous positions include director of DEI at North Carolina State University’s division of academic and student affairs and assistant dean of students & director of intercultural development at Lafayette College. Madrid also currently serves as a board member of LatinxEd. She earned a bachelor’s from Trinity College, a master’s from Bay Path University and is pursuing a doctorate from North Carolina State University.
Lorena V. Márquez, Ph.D., is an associate professor and chair of the department of Chicana/o/x Studies at University of California, Davis, and is currently the director of the Sacramento Movimiento Chicano and Mexican American Education Oral History Project and Veteranos: Sacramento’s Mexican American Servicemen. She is the author of, “La Gente: Struggles for Empowerment and Community SelfDetermination in Sacramento.” She earned a bachelor’s and master’s from California State University, Sacramento, and a doctorate from the University of California, San Diego.
Araceli Martínez Ortiz, Ph.D., is the Microsoft President’s Endowed Professor of Engineering Education at the University of Texas at San Antonio and the Manuel P. Berriozábal Pre-Freshman Engineering Program executive director. Her research extends STEM educational access to low-income students and explores the impact of strengthsbased, integrated curriculum. Ortiz earned a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, a master’s from Michigan State University, and a doctorate from Tufts University.
Mónica M. Medrano is the Eastside University Center regional director for Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. She earned two bachelors’ from Central Washington University, a master’s from Western Governors University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate from Manhattanville University.
Alejandra Villalobos Meléndez, Ed.D., is the strategic initiatives and research director at the University of New Mexico-Taos, serving in the leadership and cabinet teams. She oversees strategic planning, prek-12, and indigenous student outreach, and leads the Complete College Accelerator and Bee Campus initiatives. Villalobos collaborates with the campus community to promote equitable student success, integrating 20 years of experience and a multidisciplinary background into practice. She earned a bachelor’s from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Vanessa Bográn Meling, Ed.D., is associate dean for admissions & student success and assistant professor of research at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing. She has 24 years of experience in higher education with expertise in enrollment management, student affairs, and grant management, acquiring more than $5 million in extramural funding to advance healthcare education. Her research focuses on the efficacy of academic support resources for minoritized students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. She earned a bachelor’s from LeTourneau University, a master’s from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a doctorate from Texas A&M University Kingsville.
Victoria Cruz Moe currently serves as the director of strategic initiatives at San Antonio College, building and overseeing external partnerships, and coordinating engagement and outreach while ensuring collaboration internally. She has a background in military affairs and public administration. Moe earned a bachelor’s from Texas State University, a master’s from the University of Texas at Austin, and a master’s from the University of the Incarnate Word.
Jessica L. Moreno is dean for academic support at Waubonsee Community College, fostering collaboration, building cross-functional teams, and driving continuous quality improvement. She has also served as assistant dean, adjunct faculty member, and outcomes and grants coordinator. Moreno earned a bachelor’s from Northeastern Illinois University, a master’s from Northern Illinois University and is currently pursuing doctorate from NIU.
Victoria Obregón, Ph.D., currently serves as the director of intercultural initiatives and belonging at Colorado State University Pueblo. Obregon previously led the College Assistance Migrant Program for 15 years and expanded the program to support GED obtainment for migrant farm workers and their families through the High School Equivalency Program. She also serves as the advisor for the Latinx Student Union where she guides students to graduation. Obregon earned a bachelor’s from Colorado State University Pueblo, a master’s from Adams State University and a doctorate from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Irene Oujo, Ph.D., is the executive director of Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Hispanic Center, which houses FDU’s Hispanic serving programs, including Puerta Al Futuro, Latino Promise, HACER, and Avanza a FDU. Oujo has worked as a faculty member and administrator since 2006, working to increase the college entrance, persistence and graduation rates of Latine/x college students, specifically dually enrolled bilingual high school students, traditional age bilingual students, and adult learners in New Jersey and beyond. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s from American University, and a master’s degree and doctorate from Columbia University-Teachers College.
Sofia Oviedo, Ph.D., is the research programs director at Hostos Community College, providing management and oversight for the Ms. MacKenzie Scott’s Gift: President’s Initiatives for Student Success, College Growth and Stakeholders’ Engagement. Oviedo has served as a teacher and researcher at the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and has worked in both public and private spheres as fundraiser, administrator, evaluator and program developer. She earned a bachelor’s from New York University, a master’s from Baruch College, and a doctorate from The CUNY Graduate Center.
Olivia Padilla-Jackson serves as Central New Mexico Community College’s vice president of finance and operations. Padilla-Jackson is a public servant with 24 years of public policy and finance experience, previously serving as cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, director of the State Board of Finance, economist for the Legislative Finance Committee, and trader/analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. She earned a bachelor’s from the University of New Mexico and a master’s from the University of Michigan.
Jessenia Paoli, J.D., a licensed attorney in New York, joined Bronx Community College’s College Discovery program, which provides comprehensive support to assist underrepresented students in successfully completing college in 2011. She went on to serve the college as associate director of judicial affairs before taking on the role of chief diversity officer in 2017, and in 2024 became the interim assistant vice president for student success. Before joining BCC, she practiced corporate law at Skadden, Arps., and was recently listed in Politics New York’s Power Players in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion list. Paoli earned her bachelor’s from New York University and her juris doctorate from Brooklyn Law School.
Roberto G. Reyes has over 23 years of experience serving underrepresented communities in Dallas encompassing student affairs, grant programs, operations, strategic planning and partnerships. As the inaugural dean for success coaching - special populations and academic programs, he oversees success coaching for dual credit, continuing education, virtual evening team, coaching for success, and special populations & academic programs. Reyes is a firstgeneration college graduate and earned a bachelor’s and a master’s from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Barbara L. Rodríguez, Ph.D., is the senior vice provost at the University of New Mexico. She oversees faculty personnel matters, including tenure and promotion; faculty labor relations; and academic policies and procedures. Her scholarly work examines bilingual language acquisition and language assessment to identify young bilingual children experiencing language learning difficulties accurately. Rodríguez has received leadership and service awards from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association and is ASHA’s vice president for academic affairs in speech-language pathology. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s from the University of New Mexico and a doctorate from the University of Washington.
Lorri J. Santamaría, Ph.D., is the director of faculty development and inclusive excellence at California Lutheran University. She has over 25 years of experience as an academic leader in strategic initiatives, teaching, research, and leadership. Santamaría has served in roles from professor of education to head of school and associate dean at CSU San Marcos and the University of Auckland. She focuses on leadership for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and MinorityServing Institutions, promoting applied critical leadership to benefit marginalized students in higher education. She earned a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate from the University of Arizona.
Nireata Seals, Ed.D., has 30 years of experience in higher education and is currently the vice president of enrollment management and student success at Central New Mexico Community College. She previously served as vice president of student affairs and associate provost at LaGuardia Community College, for The City University of New York. Seals earned a master’s from New York University and a doctorate St. John Fisher College.
Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Ph.D., is associate dean and professor in the school of social work at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She has received several honors including the book of the year award for her work, “School Social Work: National Perspectives on Practice in the Schools,” the best conceptual article published in 2021 in the International Journal of Social Work Education, the Davlin Diversity Leadership Award in 2022, and the Gary Lee Shaffer award in 2023. Sosa earned bachelor’s at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and a master’s and doctorate at the University of Chicago.
Frances Valdovinos, Ed.D., was appointed assistant dean and director of teacher education at the University of California, Riverside in 2022, leading the teacher education program during its accreditation cycle. She has extensive experience working both locally and statewide on issues related to the teacher shortage and established initiatives to build pathways and pipelines, creating partnerships such as the Influencing and Mentoring by Partnering Academics and Cooperative Teaching Collaborative. Valdovinos established the first ever TEP Palm Desert cohort, Supporting Teacher Education through Partnerships, and secured funding for the Palm Desert Campus. She earned a bachelor’s from California State University, Fullerton, a master’s at University of California Riverside, and her doctorate from California State University, San Bernardino.
Felisha Herrera Villarreal, Ph.D., is director of the Research & Equity Scholarship Institute and professor at San Diego State University. As a nationally recognized expert in STEM education, she serves as principal investigator for several National Science Foundation funded projects focused on community colleges and HSIs in STEM. She has secured over $14 million in federal funding, transforming the institute into a hub for HSI research. An education leader at two- and four-year HSIs for two decades, she has served as faculty and held roles in student affairs, institutional research, and administration. Villareal earned a bachelor’s and master’s from the University of New Mexico, and a master’s and doctorate from UCLA
Be among the Hispanic-Serving Institutions advocating for the higher education success of one of the nation’s youngest and fastest-growing populations as we gather in Washington, D.C., to shape and promote an agenda for Congress and the country at the Annual National Capitol Forum of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
Register for this powerful national platform for winning public- and privatesector support for Hispanic higher education. Delegation visits to Capitol Hill with key members of the House and Senate are part of the agenda.
online at www.hacu.net
HACU 38th Annual Conference
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center • Aurora, Colorado
HACU’s Annual Conference is a unique forum for the sharing of information and ideas for the best and most promising practices in the education of Hispanics. The HACU ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute (Student Track) will be held in conjunction with the Annual Conference.
