The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) established the HACU Hall of Champions to honor those who embody the mission of the Association through exemplary efforts “To Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education.” The fifth and sixth inductees into the HACU Hall of Champions are Chancellor Agnes Mojica and Alexander Gonzalez, Ph.D, who were honored on October 6, 2014 during HACU’s 28th Annual Conference.
Agnes Mojica is a distinguished Puerto Rican educator who has served as Chancellor of the Inter American University of Puerto Rico’s San Germán Campus since 1991. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science magna cum laude from the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, where she was recognized as an outstanding alumna in 1997 and which designated her as an Illustrious Alumna in 2001. She obtained a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of London, where she initiated studies toward a doctorate’s degree. Her research and presentations are both within and outside of Puerto Rico, and have been in areas of political violence, the political implications of world’s energy resources and the role of education in the conservation of the natural resources and in economic development.
She has been the recipient of numerous honors and awards. The President of the United States invited Chancellor Mojica to witness the signing of the Executive Order for the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic-Americans. She was the first Puerto Rican to preside over the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of College and Universities (HACU). The Inter American University of Puerto Rico, the Citizens of Hormigueros, the Lion’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce, the American Cancer Society, and the Association of Hispanic and Black Professors of New York University, among others, have all recognized Prof. Mojica for her outstanding service and achievements.
Prof. Mojica’s commitment to the San Germán Campus advancement typifies her contribution to higher education. Her main priority has been opening the doors of opportunities to students and faculty. She has accomplished this through the promotion of student exchange programs in places such as the United States, Spain and Argentina; through the establishment of agreements beneficial to faculty and students with universities in places such as Austria, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Chile and Ukraine; and through the development of a strong scholarship fundraising plan in order to provide students the resources that enable them to reach their educational goals and thus build their careers.
Under her leadership, the San German Campus has witnessed significant improvement that includes the establishment of a Technical Studies Center, the creation of the Graduate Studies Center, and the development of doctoral programs in Business, Psychology, Math Education and Business Education. Prof. Mojica’s keen interest in enhancing Pre-K to 12th grade education in southwestern Puerto Rico has catapulted the San Germán Inter American School to unprecedented heights. She has also stimulated the creation of new programs including General Education, on-line courses, Community Service as a graduation requirement, and making the Campus the cultural niche of western Puerto Rico; sponsored Student Leadership development programs; backed a Drop Out Program (CASA) which now boasts a 98% retention rate; supported the five Trio Programs administered by the Campus; and endorsed the HEP Program for migrant families which is proud to claim a 96% completion rate. The construction of a new Telecommunications and Information Center, a Physical Education and Sport Center, the remodeling of the Marquis Science Hall historic building, as well as a new Nursing School currently underway are just four additions to the Campus’s physical plant accomplished during her tenure.
Prof. Mojica is the mother of two: John Peter, a young professional and musician, and Katherine Marie Ebsworth-Mojica, MD, a pediatrician. She is the proud grandmother of Anabela Marie and Peter Matthew. The Chancellor shares her home with her adoring mother, Ginette, whose sage advice helps her keep life in balance. She feels very proud of being an educator, whose whole life has been enriched by students who come to the University Paradise of San Germán.