The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has officially announced the distinguished panel of speakers and interactive student showcases for its upcoming Town Hall, scheduled to take place on November 2, 2026. The high-profile event forms a central pillar of the organization’s milestone 40th Annual Conference, which will be hosted in Chula Vista, California.
Titled “Ready or Not: Thriving in the New Age of AI,” the HACU Town Hall is designed to bring together a diverse assembly of educational leaders, industry experts, and students to examine the profound opportunities, complex challenges, and overall transformative impact that artificial intelligence is currently having across the educational landscape. The comprehensive conversation will delve deeply into various facets of modern academia, touching specifically upon teaching methodologies, classroom learning dynamics, holistic student success initiatives, and comprehensive workforce preparation strategies.
Given HACU’s foundational mission, the dialogue will place a distinct and deliberate focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and the unique ways these vital academic centers can leverage emerging technologies. Discussions are expected to center heavily on crucial topics such as artificial intelligence ethics, responsible innovation practices, and the implementation of thoughtful institutional guardrails. These safeguards are viewed by organizers as essential mechanisms for protecting students, surrounding communities, and educational institutions alike, all while simultaneously expanding access to new economic and educational opportunities in an increasingly automated world.
The newly announced lineup of speakers features prominent figures from across the higher education and corporate sectors who bring extensive experience in institutional leadership and technological integration. The panel will include Manhattanville University President Frank Sanchez, Ph.D., whose background encompasses a deep dedication to student achievement and institutional adaptability in changing times. Joining him on the panel will be Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Alberto J. Román, Ph.D., representing one of the largest and most diverse community college systems in the nation and offering vital insights into community-scale educational access and workforce alignment.
The academic and administrative perspectives will be further complemented by the corporate sector through Daniel Altabello, Vice President of Digital Product at Pearson, who is expected to provide industry viewpoints on the development and deployment of digital educational tools. Steering the conversation as the moderator for the Town Hall will be Laura Marquez of MARQ Strategies, guiding what promises to be a rigorous and multifaceted exploration of the intersection between technology and higher education.
Beyond the expert panel discussion, the Town Hall will also turn a direct spotlight toward the student body, offering a platform for those who are actively putting artificial intelligence into practice within their academic curricula. Organizers have arranged for a select group of students to deliver brief, dynamic showcases of their innovative AI-driven projects directly from the main stage.
In addition to the main stage presentations, a broader exhibition of student projects will be displayed throughout the venue room, allowing conference attendees to explore the work firsthand and engage in direct conversations with the student creators. These presentations and exhibits are intended to vividly illustrate how the next generation of scholars is actively navigating both the unprecedented opportunities and the inherent challenges posed by artificial intelligence. By sharing their work, these students will help illuminate how young scholars are helping to shape the very role that technology will play in the future of higher education and the professional workforce.
