The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities held the Town Hall, “Ready or Not: Thriving in the New Age of AI,” on Nov. 2, 2026. The panel discussion was moderated by Audrey Stewart, head of operations for a private equity-backed company, and featured the following speakers: Manhattanville University President Frank Sanchez; Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Alberto J. Román; and Pearson Vice President of Digital Product Daniel Altabello.
Discussions focused on the opportunities, challenges, and transformative impact of AI across teaching, learning, student success, and workforce preparation. With a focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions, the conversation discussed AI ethics, responsible innovation, and thoughtful guardrails that protect students, communities, and institutions while expanding opportunity.
The Town Hall also featured students putting AI into practice across the curriculum, showcasing their innovative projects from the main stage, while other student projects were featured throughout the room for attendees to explore, engage, and connect with the work firsthand.
Partner and sponsor remarks were given by UC Merced Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Engagement Tonantzin Oseguera on behalf of UC Merced, UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, UC San Diego and UC Riverside.
The HACU Town Hall was part of HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” held Nov. 1-3, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado.
Additional photos from the event can be viewed here.
