SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities is pleased to announce the second cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program. Fifty-four participants have been selected to begin the program this fall. Cristian Mendez Garcia, assistant director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives from Western Oregon University was selected to participate in this leadership program.

The six-month leadership development program for mid-level college and university professionals is designed to increase the number, variety, and quality of Latino/a talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-Serving Institutions and in higher education overall.

Selectees will participate in programming covering academic and student affairs management, regional institutional accreditation, diversity, equity and inclusion, and higher education advocacy issues. Participants will also interact with a professional search firm.
 

"Participating in the HACU Leadership Program presents an incredible opportunity to learn from inspiring individuals committed to uplifting underrepresented communities,” said Mendez Garcia. “I eagerly anticipate furthering my growth alongside dedicated professionals who are passionately advancing equity in postsecondary education.
 

The sessions will be delivered through a series of online meetings and also in-person sessions that will take place in November 2024 at HACU’s Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado, and at the National Capitol Forum in Washington, D.C., in April 2025. The program will conclude with a graduation ceremony.

Special thanks to Capital One* and the Mellon Foundation** for their support in providing grant funding for select participants.

See additional participant information.
 

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C., Sacramento, California, and Chicago, Illinois.

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About Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.