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 matters because it directly tackles the underrepresentation of Hispanic leaders in higher education administration while creating a pipeline of qualified professionals who understand the unique needs of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. The program's structured approach combining mentorship, practical projects, and networking opportunities provides fellows with the tools necessary to advance into senior leadership positions where they can influence institutional policies and practices.
The implications of this announcement extend beyond the individual fellows to the broader higher education landscape. As Hispanic student populations continue to grow across American colleges and universities, having administrators who understand their cultural backgrounds and educational needs becomes increasingly important for student success and institutional effectiveness. The Leadership Academy's track record of producing presidents at various institutions demonstrates its effectiveness in preparing leaders who can navigate the complexities of modern higher education while championing diversity and inclusion. By developing leaders specifically equipped to serve Hispanic student populations, the program contributes to more equitable educational outcomes and strengthens the administrative capacity of institutions that serve historically underrepresented communities. The continued support from major funders indicates recognition of the program's importance in addressing systemic leadership gaps in higher education.
