HACU Selects 26 Fellows for 2025-26 Leadership Academy to Advance Higher Education Leadership
TL;DR
HACU's Leadership Academy provides fellows a strategic advantage through mentorship and training that has propelled nine alumni to university president positions.
The one-year HACU fellowship includes webinars, three seminars in different locations, mentorship, and a special project to develop institutional leadership skills.
This program expands opportunities in higher education administration, creating more diverse leadership that better serves Hispanic communities and institutions.
Twenty-six fellows were selected for HACU's seventh cohort, with seminars planned in Colorado, Washington D.C., and an international location.
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The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has selected 26 fellows for the seventh cohort of its Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo, continuing its mission to develop future leaders in higher education administration. The year-long fellowship program prepares participants for leadership roles across various higher education institutions, with particular focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs, addressing the need for diverse representation in academic leadership positions.
The comprehensive program includes webinars and three seminars, beginning with the first seminar in November 2025 during HACU's 39th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado. The second seminar will take place in Washington, D.C., in April 2026 at HACU's National Capitol Forum, while the third seminar will be held at an international location yet to be determined. This structured approach provides fellows with diverse perspectives on higher education leadership across different geographical and cultural contexts.
A distinguishing feature of the Leadership Academy is its faculty composition, which includes current and former presidents, chancellors, and senior administrators with over 100 years of combined experience across various higher education sectors. The program emphasizes mentorship relationships with university presidents or senior-level administrators, coupled with the development of special projects designed to create meaningful impact at each fellow's home institution. The program's effectiveness is demonstrated by its alumni who have attained presidential positions at institutions including Universidad Central del Caribe, California State University Fresno, and Macalester College, among others.
The 2025-26 cohort represents a diverse group of professionals from institutions nationwide, including Jonathan Alcántar from University of Northern Colorado, Wendy Arzate from Malcolm X College, and María V. Boccalandro from Dallas College. The complete list of fellows and their institutions showcases the program's reach across community colleges, public universities, and private institutions. Financial support from Capital One and Mellon Foundation has enabled the provision of fellowships to selected recipients, ensuring accessibility and diversity within the participant group.
This leadership development initiative addresses the critical need for prepared and diverse leadership in higher education, particularly within institutions serving Hispanic student populations. By equipping emerging leaders with the skills, networks, and experiences necessary for senior administrative roles, the program contributes to the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of higher education institutions nationwide. The Leadership Academy's track record of producing successful presidents and senior administrators underscores its importance in shaping the future landscape of American higher education leadership.
Curated from Noticias Newswire
