February 26, 2025

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores on 29 years of championing student success in higher education

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities was founded in 1986 in San Antonio, Texas, growing from 18 charter members to more than 500 member institutions committed to the mission of championing the success of Hispanic-Serving Institutions. For the past 29 years, Antonio R. Flores has led the Association in becoming the leading voice of advocacy for these schools vital to the prosperity of our nation.

Flores’ work since joining HACU on February 26, 1996, has developed and advanced policy and legislation that support HSIs and their students across the country. The Association has led the effort to increase annual federal funding for HSIs, with more than $6 billion allocated over the years.

The Association expanded international partnerships and membership, with new and improved programs leveraging these partnerships to provide internship and scholarship opportunities. The HACU National Internship Program has also grown over the years, with over 15,000 internship placements since its inception.

HACU launched the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo and Enlace Mid-Level Leadership Program under the leadership of Flores, programs designed to prepare the next generation of executive and senior level staff in higher education offered under the Institute for Professional Development and Leadership.

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

HACU thanks everyone for their support throughout the years and salutes Antonio R. Flores for his 29 years of service.