The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has selected 26 fellows for its seventh Leadership Academy cohort, continuing its mission to develop leaders for higher education institutions with particular focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs. This initiative matters because it directly addresses the persistent underrepresentation of Hispanic leaders in higher education administration, particularly at institutions that serve significant Hispanic student populations. The year-long fellowship program provides comprehensive development activities designed to prepare participants for senior administrative roles across various higher education sectors, which is crucial for ensuring that institutional leadership reflects the diversity of the student bodies they serve.
Fellows will engage in a structured program featuring webinars and three seminars, beginning in November 2025 during HACU's 39th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado. Subsequent seminars will take place in Washington, D.C., in April 2026 at the National Capitol Forum, and at an international location to be determined. The program's faculty comprises current and former presidents, chancellors, and senior administrators with over 100 years of combined experience across private and public universities, community colleges, and faith-based institutions. This extensive expertise is important because it provides fellows with practical insights and mentorship from leaders who have successfully navigated the challenges of higher education administration.
A critical component of the Leadership Academy involves mentorship relationships with university presidents or senior-level administrators, coupled with the development of impact projects at each fellow's home institution. This hands-on approach is significant because it allows fellows to apply their learning directly to their current roles while building relationships that can support their career advancement. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated by its alumni achievements, including nine former fellows who have attained presidential positions at institutions such as California State University, Fresno, Macalester College, and Oregon Coast Community College. Additional information about the program's structure and impact can be found at https://www.hacu.net.
The 2025-26 cohort includes participants from diverse institutions including University of Northern Colorado, Rutgers University-Newark, University of California campuses, and multiple community colleges. This geographic and institutional diversity is important because it fosters cross-pollination of ideas and strategies that can benefit various types of higher education institutions. Fellowship support has been provided by https://www.capitalone.com and https://www.mellon.org, enabling selected recipients to participate in the development program. This financial backing is crucial for removing barriers to participation and ensuring that talented individuals from various backgrounds can access leadership development opportunities. The Leadership Academy addresses the critical need for diverse leadership representation in higher education administration, which has implications for institutional policies, student success initiatives, and the overall climate of colleges and universities serving Hispanic communities.
