HACU Conference Marks 40 Years With Focus on Student Success, AI, Institutional Leadership

HACU drew more than 1,800 people to its 40th annual conference in Chula Vista, California.HACUThe Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities brought more than 1,800 registrants together for its 40th annual conference, where higher education leaders, faculty members and students explored the challenges and opportunities shaping Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

The gathering, held from Saturday to Monday under the theme “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” focused on student success, institutional leadership, workforce preparation, international partnerships and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in higher education. It was held in Chula Vista, California.

The conference also offered an opportunity for attendees to share experiences and connect with colleagues working to expand educational opportunities for Hispanic students and other historically underserved populations.

For some participants, the gathering was as much about building relationships as it was about attending workshops and panels.

Brittany Zorn, the assistant director of community partnerships and initiatives at Salem State University described the experience as enriching and inspiring in a LinkedIn post. She attended with eight students and other colleagues.

"You know the conference is good when you forget to post about it until the last day!" she wrote. "I look forward to bringing my learnings back with me to Salem where we will continue to meet the moment."