UTRGV social work professor joins cohort of HACU Fellows

By Amanda Alaniz

Dr. Leticia Villarreal Sosa, UTRGV professor of Social Work, will join the newest cohort of 45 fellows for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ Leadership Academy.

HACU states the program is designed to “increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education.” Fellows take part in various leadership development activities preparing them for leadership roles in the full spectrum of institutions, with an emphasis on Hispanic-Servicing Institutions and emerging HSIs.

Villarreal Sosa, inaugural associate dean for Research and Faculty Development, is one of 45 new fellows of the Leadership Academy from institutions of higher education around the country.

She said she was honored and excited to be part of this inclusive program.

“I am so proud to be a faculty member at UTRGV, which is the second-largest Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the country. I am always eager to learn more and develop my leadership skills, so this is an excellent opportunity to learn, but also to be mentored and extend my network,” she said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to continue to develop my leadership skills and learn the ins and outs of the technical skills needed to be effective in executive roles.”

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores said the organization is proud of the previous cohorts and is looking forward to showcasing more success stories.

“The HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo has a proven record of advancing diverse leaders within a wide range of higher education institutions, demonstrating the value of the program in expanding representation at the highest levels of college and university administrations” he said.

Leadership Academy is made up of faculty who are current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators, and offers more than 100 years of combined experience in a range of higher education areas.

Villarreal Sosa said that, as a first-generation college student herself and now acting associate dean for Academic Affairs, she recognizes the significance of the program’s opportunities.

“It is important for students to see others in leadership positions that reflect diverse, lived experiences. To see those who share a similar identity. To see people like them in leadership roles,” she said. “I am very committed to advancing the development of ‘servingness’ at our institution, given its HSI status and the important role HSIs will play in educating future generations.”

The one-year fellowship program includes webinars and three seminars, with the first seminar to be held Nov. 1-3 in conjunction with HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado.

To learn more about the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, visit hacu.net.