March 2, 2021

Lena T. Rodriguez named as new senior vice president for policy and government relations

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities announces the appointment of Lena T. Rodriguez, Ph.D., to its new position of senior vice president for policy and government relations, effective March 8, 2021.

Rodriguez will serve as the senior official for the Association’s Washington, D.C. office and will play a significant role in addressing, developing, and evaluating legislation affecting Hispanic-Serving Institutions. She will also serve as a direct liaison with government officials, federal agencies, and other educational organizations to help develop policies and positions that support the educational success of Hispanic students.

She has over 20 years of experience in higher education and the nonprofit sector, serving in management and leadership roles that have focused on data-driven initiatives to expand, support, and enhance programs directly affecting student success.

“HACU is pleased to welcome Dr. Lena Rodriguez to our team. She brings a skill set and breadth of experience that will undoubtedly advance the Association’s priorities for expanding and deepening relationships within the policy advocacy and government affairs sectors,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We are indeed fortunate to have such an outstanding and accomplished professional join our team to advocate for the goals of HACU and its membership.”

Rodriguez most recently led the Angell Snyder School of Business at Ottawa University as the school dean for campuses in Kansas, Wisconsin and Arizona and as the chief academic officer for two campuses in Arizona, with duties encompassing curriculum and program development, budgeting, fundraising, advocacy and establishing partnerships with external stakeholders. Other previous experience includes leadership roles at San Diego State University, a large public land grant university; and the Kauffman Foundation, a leading private foundation dedicated to entrepreneurship. She also has experience serving as a consultant for institutions of higher education and served as the endowed chair of a nonprofit institution.

She earned a bachelor’s in business and a master’s in public policy from Arizona State University, and a doctorate in business from the University of Nebraska.

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 Sacramento, California and Washington, D.C. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net.

 

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