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. The year-long fellowship program provides comprehensive development activities designed to prepare participants for senior administrative roles across various higher education sectors. 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. 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. 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. Fellowship support has been provided by https://www.capitalone.com and https://www.mellon.org, enabling selected recipients to participate in the development program. The Leadership Academy addresses the critical need for diverse leadership representation in higher education administration, particularly within institutions serving Hispanic student populations. This initiative comes at a time when Hispanic enrollment in higher education continues to grow, yet representation in senior administrative positions remains disproportionately low compared to student demographics.
The structured approach combining mentorship, practical projects, and networking opportunities creates a pipeline for leadership development that directly impacts institutional capacity. By preparing administrators who understand the specific needs and challenges of Hispanic-Serving Institutions, the program contributes to more effective governance and student success initiatives. The international seminar component further broadens participants' perspectives on global higher education trends and best practices. As higher education faces evolving challenges including changing demographics, financial pressures, and technological transformation, programs like HACU's Leadership Academy ensure that institutions have leaders equipped with both traditional administrative skills and cultural competency to serve diverse student populations effectively.
