The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) convened education leaders, university presidents, and international scholars from around the world for its prominent International Plenary, titled “Global Pathways to Graduation: Expanding International Access, Mobility, and Student Success.” The high-profile event took place on November 2, 2026, serving as a cornerstone session during the broader multi-day gathering of higher education professionals dedicated to advancing opportunities for Hispanic and diverse student populations.
The international plenary brought together a distinguished panel of institutional leaders to address the evolving landscape of global education. Among the featured speakers were San José State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson; Laredo College President Maria Mineta Ramirez; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona President Vanya Quiñones; and the University of Castilla-La Mancha’s Vice Rector for Internationalization, Raúl Martín Martín. The compelling panel discussion was guided and moderated by San Bernardino Community College District Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez, who steered the conversation toward actionable strategies for institutional growth and cross-border collaboration.
The overarching dialogue at the plenary centered on the critical mechanisms through which international partnerships, student and faculty exchange programs, and broad global initiatives can fundamentally enhance student retention, accelerate degree completion rates, and elevate overall career readiness in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Throughout the session, the panelists highlighted scalable, sustainable models designed to expand access to international learning opportunities, systematically reduce bureaucratic and financial barriers for underrepresented student groups, and tightly align institutional global engagement strategies with core equity and modern workforce development goals.
A central theme of the discussion was the recognition that modern higher education institutions must look beyond local and national borders to adequately prepare graduates for the demands of today’s professional landscape. By fostering robust global networks and mobility pipelines, universities and colleges can provide students with transformative cultural and academic experiences that significantly boost their confidence, adaptability, and competitiveness in the job market. The leaders shared insights from their respective institutions, illustrating how targeted international programs have yielded measurable improvements in student success metrics and long-term academic achievement.
In addition to the rigorous panel discussions, the International Plenary served as a platform to honor institutional excellence in global engagement. A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the prestigious Exemplary International Partner Award, which was proudly bestowed upon La Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha. This coveted honor is annually awarded to a member institution that has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and tangible results in supporting HACU’s extensive international initiatives and collaborative network. Accepting the award on behalf of the Spanish university was Vice Rector Raúl Martín Martín, who expressed gratitude for the enduring partnership and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to fostering international academic cooperation.
The HACU International Plenary was conducted as an integral component of the organization’s landmark 40th Annual Conference. Centered around the powerful theme, “40 Years of Championing Higher Education Success: One Graduate at a Time,” the comprehensive conference ran from October 31 through November 2, 2026, drawing thousands of attendees, educators, corporate partners, and policymakers to Chula Vista, California. Over the course of the multi-day event, participants engaged in numerous workshops, networking sessions, and keynote addresses focused on the past achievements, current challenges, and future trajectories of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and higher education at large.
The annual gathering not only commemorated four decades of advocacy, student support, and institutional empowerment by HACU, but also provided a vital forum for charting the future of educational equity. As colleges and universities navigate shifting demographic trends and economic realities, the insights shared during the International Plenary and the broader 40th Annual Conference underscored the indispensable role of global perspectives in shaping the next generation of leaders. Attendees left the event equipped with new strategies, renewed partnerships, and a shared vision for breaking down barriers to student success on both local and international scales.
