FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 17, 2024

HACU expands into the Midwest to focus on legislative priorities for HSIs

SAN ANTONIO – The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has opened a new regional office in the Midwest, a milestone in the organization’s growth and ongoing commitment to advocating for Hispanic-Serving Institutions nationwide. The new office will focus on state legislation and increasing engagement with local stakeholders, partners and allies of Hispanic higher education success. By deepening its presence in the Midwest, HACU will lead on initiatives that will advance and advocate for Hispanic student excellence throughout the region.

A welcome reception was held on October 17, 2024, for higher education and community leaders and featured remarks from HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores, HACU Senior Vice President of State Policy Reyes Gonzalez and Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation Executive Director Oswaldo Alvarez.

“Our new regional office in the Midwest represents a major step forward in our mission to support and uplift Hispanic-Serving Institutions in every corner of the nation,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores.  “By establishing a permanent presence in the region, we are positioned to address the unique challenges faced by our member institutions and advocate for policies that foster inclusion, opportunity, and progress for colleges and universities serving diverse student communities.”

The office will prioritize legislative advocacy in Midwestern states to influence key policies related to higher education, public funding of colleges and universities, and youth engagement opportunities. The regional office will also focus on strengthening relationships with HSI and community leaders, as well as elected officials to ensure that HSI concerns, needs and contributions are heard and recognized.

“We are excited to engage with stakeholders across the region to build partnerships that will drive meaningful change,” said Senior Vice President of State Policy and Government Relations Reyes Gonzalez. “HACU will work to ensure that HSIs in the Midwest have the resources and support they need to thrive, ensuring the educational and career success of their students.”

Prior to the welcome reception, a Legislative Roundtable was held in partnership with the Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation. This event brought together HACU leadership, Illinois State Representatives, and HSI stakeholders to discuss and identify legislative priorities for the 2025 Illinois Legislative session.

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 in San Antonio, Texas, with offices in Washington, D.C, Sacramento, California and Chicago Illinois.

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