HACU Selects 26 Fellows for Seventh Leadership Academy Cohort to Strengthen Higher Education Leadership

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 development comes at a crucial time when higher education institutions face increasing demands for diverse leadership representation, particularly within institutions serving growing 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. 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 ensures that fellows receive mentorship from leaders who have successfully navigated the complexities 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.

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. This corporate and foundation support underscores the broader recognition of the importance of developing diverse leadership pipelines in higher education.

For HR professionals and vendors serving the higher education sector, this initiative represents significant opportunities for partnership and collaboration. The development of diverse leadership talent directly impacts institutional culture, student success initiatives, and strategic decision-making processes. As these fellows advance into senior administrative roles, they will likely influence hiring practices, diversity initiatives, and organizational development strategies within their institutions, creating ripple effects throughout the higher education landscape.