The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has officially announced the distinguished lineup 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 landmark 40th Annual Conference, which will be hosted in Chula Vista, California, drawing educators, administrators, industry leaders, and students from across the nation to discuss the evolving landscape of higher education.
Titled “Ready or Not: Thriving in the New Age of AI,” the HACU Town Hall is designed to convene a diverse panel of prominent educational and industry leaders to thoroughly explore the multifaceted opportunities, emerging challenges, and deeply transformative impact of artificial intelligence. As educational institutions grapple with the rapid acceleration of technological change, the conversation will examine how AI influences modern teaching methodologies, daily learning experiences, overall student success metrics, and long-term workforce preparation. With a specialized focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions, the dialogue will place a vital emphasis on AI ethics, responsible innovation, and the implementation of thoughtful guardrails. These protective measures are intended to safeguard students, local communities, and academic institutions while simultaneously expanding meaningful economic and educational opportunities for underrepresented populations.
To address these complex themes, the Town Hall has secured a panel of accomplished leaders representing both higher education and the corporate sector. The featured speakers include Manhattanville University President Frank Sanchez, Ph.D., whose extensive experience in academic administration provides critical insight into institutional adaptation and student equity. Joining him on the panel is Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor Alberto J. Román, Ph.D., who brings a profound understanding of community college systems and their vital role in preparing diverse student bodies for an increasingly automated job market. Rounding out the institutional and industry perspectives is Daniel Altabello, Vice President of Digital Product at Pearson, who offers valuable corporate insight into how educational publishing and digital technology infrastructure are evolving to meet the demands of generative and analytical artificial intelligence. Guiding the discussion as the moderator for the Town Hall will be Laura Marquez of MARQ Strategies, who will steer the dialogue to ensure a comprehensive exploration of policy, practice, and practical implementation.
Beyond the expert panel discussions, the Town Hall will heavily feature the voices and ingenuity of students who are actively putting artificial intelligence into practice across contemporary curricula. In a dynamic shift toward experiential learning demonstration, a select group of students will take to the main stage to briefly showcase their innovative AI-driven projects to the entire conference audience. These live presentations are expected to offer a firsthand look at how emerging scholars are utilizing advanced technology to solve real-world problems, express creativity, and conduct rigorous academic research.
Furthermore, the engagement will extend well beyond the auditorium stage. Additional student projects will be prominently displayed throughout the main event room, creating an interactive environment where conference attendees can explore the exhibits, converse directly with the creators, and engage with the technology firsthand. These interactive showcases are intended to highlight the resilience, adaptability, and forward-thinking nature of students as they navigate both the unprecedented opportunities and the inherent challenges posed by artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the student presentations will serve as a practical demonstration of how the next generation is actively shaping the role of artificial intelligence in the future of higher education and the broader professional workforce.
