Two of TLU’s Own Selected for Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Programs

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has just announced the second cohort of its Enlace Mid-level Leadership Program. Fifty-four participants were selected to begin the program this fall, and among them is TLU Director of Title IX Services and Equity Compliance Leslie Flores.

Flores says she's honored to be the first person from Texas Lutheran University to be accepted into the program. "It's truly a privilege to represent TLU in this capacity, and I'm excited for the opportunity to bring back valuable insights that will further enhance our commitment to equity and inclusion on campus. I'm also incredibly grateful to receive the $4,000 Capital One scholarship, which will fully cover my program fees."

The six-month leadership development program for mid-level professionals is designed to increase the number, variety, and quality of Latino/a talent in leadership positions at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) like TLU 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.

"The skills and knowledge I gain from this program will not only enrich my work as the Director of Title IX Services and Equity Compliance but will also help ensure that TLU continues its mission of creating an inclusive and equitable environment where all students can thrive," says Flores. "I am especially looking forward to connecting with fellow leaders across the country who share these values, engaging in discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and learning best practices that will help us achieve our shared goals of effectively serving our students."

HACU has also announced the 45 fellows who will make up the sixth cohort of its Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. The program is designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education, and TLU BUENOS Center Director Victor Davila has been chosen for the cohort.

"I am truly honored to have been selected for this prestigious program," says Davila. "It represents a unique opportunity to deepen my knowledge, broaden my skillset, and connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about advancing HSIs and serving as role models for students on campus."

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores says the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo has a proven record of advancing diverse leaders within a wide range of higher education institutions, demonstrating the value of the program in expanding representation at the highest levels of college and university administrations. "We are proud of our previous cohorts in how they have moved into the upper ranks of academia with speed and fully expect this current cohort to match if not exceed our alums in successfully breaking into leadership roles across the nation."

Fellows participate in an array of leadership development activities preparing them for leadership roles in the full spectrum of institutions of higher learning, with an emphasis on HSIs and Emerging HSIs.

"This opportunity allows me to share best practices from other HSIs to positively impact student retention and success at TLU, especially for underrepresented groups," says Davila. "It will support TLU's goals of becoming a stronger, more competitive institution, enhancing its reputation, and serving as a model for other HSIs."