The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has announced the selection of 26 fellows for the seventh cohort of its Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. This program has demonstrated significant impact in advancing careers of leaders across higher education institutions, expanding opportunities at the highest levels of college and university administrations. Since its inception, the program has successfully prepared participants for leadership roles with particular emphasis on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs.
The one-year fellowship program includes comprehensive development activities including webinars and three seminars. The first seminar will be held in November 2025 in conjunction with HACU's 39th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado, followed by a second seminar in Washington, D.C., in April 2026 during HACU's National Capitol Forum. The third seminar will take place at an international location yet to be determined, providing fellows with global perspectives on higher education leadership.
The Leadership Academy faculty comprises current and former presidents, chancellors, and senior administrators who bring over 100 years of combined experience across various sectors of higher education. This includes expertise from private and public universities, community colleges, and faith-based institutions. A key component of the program involves mentorship with university presidents or senior-level administrators, coupled with the development of special projects designed to create impact at each fellow's current institution.
The program's effectiveness is evidenced by the career advancement of previous participants. Nine academy alumni have attained presidential positions at institutions including Universidad Central del Caribe, California State University Fresno, Harold Washington College, Macalester College, New Jersey City University, Oklahoma Panhandle State University, College of San Mateo, Keiser University Miami Campus, and Oregon Coast Community College. This track record demonstrates the program's capacity to develop leaders capable of steering higher education institutions.
The 2025-26 cohort includes participants from diverse institutions across the United States, representing universities, community colleges, and various educational settings. The program receives support from Capital One and Mellon Foundation, which provide fellowships to selected recipients. This financial support enables participants to engage fully in the professional development opportunities without financial barriers, ensuring access to leadership training for educators from various backgrounds and institutions.
The selection of these 26 fellows represents a continued commitment to developing leadership capacity within higher education, particularly focusing on institutions serving Hispanic students. The program's structured approach combining seminars, mentorship, and practical projects provides a comprehensive framework for leadership development that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities facing contemporary higher education institutions.
