ABQ Times

Two academic leaders from the University of New Mexico (UNM) have been chosen as fellows for the 2024-25 cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy. Barbara Rodriguez, senior vice provost for academic affairs at UNM-Albuquerque, and Alejandra “Ale” Villalobos Meléndez, director of strategic initiatives and research at UNM-Taos, are among 45 fellows selected nationwide.

The HACU Leadership Academy aims to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education. The program includes leadership development activities focusing on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and emerging HSIs. It comprises webinars and three seminars, with the first seminar scheduled this month alongside HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado.

Rodriguez joined UNM in 1999 as a faculty member in the Department of Speech and Learning Sciences. Her work focuses on cultural competence, humility, bilingual language acquisition, and bilingual language assessment. As senior vice provost since 2018, she leads UNM's faculty matters including hiring, tenure, promotion, recruitment, retention, labor relations, and academic policies.

“It is an incredible honor to be included in this distinguished cohort of leaders, including a colleague from UNM,” Rodriguez said. “HACU has been instrumental in shaping some of the finest leaders in higher education, and I am eager to gain new insights and forge valuable connections through the fellowship program.”

Meléndez was recognized as a Capital One Fellowship recipient. She oversees institutional research at the Taos campus and leads initiatives such as strategic planning and outreach to pre-K-12 and Indigenous communities.

“I am deeply honored to be selected as a HACU fellow this year,” Meléndez said. “Joining a cohort of 44 other Hispanic higher education leaders from across the nation is an exciting opportunity to learn from one another and foster meaningful connections."

She anticipates developing lasting professional relationships through this fellowship which focuses on financial management, fundraising, and advocacy to support UNM-Taos's strategic goals.

The HACU Leadership Academy faculty includes experienced current and former presidents, chancellors, and senior administrators who provide mentorship opportunities. A special project designed to impact each fellow’s institution is also part of the program.

Founded in 1986, HACU represents over 500 colleges and universities across the United States, Latin America, Spain, and U.S. school districts. It is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions.