The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has appointed David A. Ortiz, Ph.D., as chief operating officer effective February 10, 2026. Ortiz previously served HACU as COO and senior vice president for the Association, as well as executive director for policy analysis and information before leaving to serve in executive leadership roles at Texas Lutheran University, then Southwestern University. Ortiz will be responsible for the operations of the Association and implementation of policies, goals and objectives set by the president/CEO and Governing Board. 

“I’m delighted to welcome Dr. David Ortiz back to HACU,” said HACU Interim CEO John Moder. “His experience and knowledge of HACU and higher education will be invaluable in advancing the Association’s mission.”

Ortiz brings 31 years of higher education experience to the Association as a faculty member and senior administrative leader during which he worked on over 100 combined publications, national presentations, and invited keynotes. His research and work in higher education have been recognized by the White House Initiative on Education Excellence for Hispanics, Association for the Study of Higher Education, National College Learning Center Association, and other organizations where he has served both as a member and in various leadership roles. In recognition of his expansive and impactful work in higher education, he was awarded the 2023 Texas A&M University College of Education’s Outstanding Alumni Award.

“I am deeply humbled to return to HACU with the opportunity to provide organizational leadership during this unprecedented time in higher education,” said Ortiz. “The work we do at HACU will have a lasting impression on the educational landscape for generations to come.”

Ortiz earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Texas A&M University, College Station, and a doctorate from Indiana University Bloomington.