February 26, 2024

HACU salutes president and CEO Antonio R. Flores on 28 years of championing for Hispanic success in higher education

Since the founding of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities in 1986 in San Antonio, Texas, HACU has grown from 18 charter members to more than 500 member institutions committed to the mission of championing Hispanic success in higher education. Impressively, for the past 28 years, HACU has had the leadership of Antonio R. Flores at the helm.

Since joining HACU on February 26, 1996, Flores has worked non-stop on developing and advancing policy and legislation that support Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Hispanic students across the nation.

During his tenure at HACU, Flores has helped the Association increase annual federal funding for HSIs and more than $5 billion has been allocated to them over the years; several new federally funded programs have been created under the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Education, among others.

Additionally, during this time HACU has made partnerships with several corporations including Dominion Energy, Google, Southwest Airlines and United Health Foundation. Millions of dollars in new private funding for HSIs and associate members has also been secured during his tenure.

The Association has nearly tripled its membership, expanded its representation internationally, and implemented and improved programs and partnerships to offer a variety of internship and scholarship opportunities. The HACU National Internship Program has made over 15,600 internship placements since its inception.

Under Flores’ leadership, HACU launched the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo and Enlace Mid-Level Leadership Program, fellowship programs designed to prepare the next generation of culturally diverse leaders for executive and senior level positions in higher education as part of programs offered under the Institute for Professional Development and Leadership.

A total of eight thematic institutes are under development to elevate Hispanic higher education and allow for the expansion of programs and services that will benefit institutions across the globe.

HACU thanks everyone for their support throughout the years and salutes Antonio R. Flores for his 28 years of service.