February 2, 2011
NJ Revilla-Garcia

Antonio R. Flores celebrates 15 years of service to HACU

As HACU celebrates its Silver Anniversary throughout 2011, the association will observe a related milestone this February when Antonio R. Flores reaches 15 years as the third and longest-serving president and CEO of HACU. Flores, who joined HACU on Feb. 26, 1996, has worked tirelessly to advance Hispanic higher education success nationally and strengthen international higher education collaborations. 

Over the past fifteen years, HACU has seen significant growth including nearly tripling its membership, its budget, and programs. Federal funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) have increased greatly resulting in more than $1.3 billion in federal funding allocated to HSIs during Flores’ tenure. What began as an association of HSIs has now grown to include other member affiliations beyond national and international members such as Hispanic-serving school districts, faculty/staff caucus, students, and education affiliates.    

Flores’ contributions and knowledge of Hispanic higher education have not gone unnoticed. He has been the recipient of numerous honors and recognitions including being featured by the Univision Network in an Orgullo Hispano capsule, honoring notable and influential Hispanics/Hispanic-Americans. He was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Educational Policy Institute and was listed among the Top Influential Leaders in the U.S. and Latino Community and the Top 25 Leaders in Education recognized by Latino Leaders magazine. He was also been recognized by “Hispanic Business” magazine with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Flores holds undergraduate degrees in business administration and elementary education from Universidad de Guadalajara and Centro Normal Regional, Mexico, respectively; a Master of Arts degree in counseling and personnel from Western Michigan University; and a Ph.D. in higher education administration from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.