The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) recently convened an engaging and forward-looking virtual discussion, bringing together prominent educational leaders and one of the nation’s most distinguished public servants. On October 15, 2026, HACU hosted a special virtual fireside chat featuring Ambassador Ken Salazar, author of the acclaimed memoir Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America.
The high-profile event drew participants from across the higher education landscape, offering a platform to reflect on leadership, public service, and the evolving role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in shaping the future of the United States. HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores joined Ambassador Salazar for the compelling dialogue. The conversation was expertly moderated by Abel A. Chávez, President of Our Lady of the Lake University, who guided the discussion through themes of heritage, education, cross-border diplomacy, and national unity.
A Journey from Colorado’s San Luis Valley to the Global Stage
To understand the core message of Borderlands, the conversation naturally turned to Ambassador Salazar’s remarkable personal history. Growing up on his family’s ranch in the remote San Luis Valley of Colorado, Salazar experienced a upbringing deeply rooted in the land, hard work, and a profound appreciation for community values. He was the very first member of his family to attend college, a milestone that set the trajectory for a groundbreaking career in public service.
Salazar’s subsequent professional path is a testament to the transformative power of education and civic dedication. Over decades of public life, he shattered barriers while serving in a succession of influential roles. He served as the Attorney General of Colorado, representing the legal interests of his home state before transitioning to the national stage as a United States Senator.
His executive experience expanded further when he accepted the cabinet-level position of U.S. Secretary of the Interior, where he managed vast public lands, natural resources, and programs affecting Indigenous communities. Most recently, Salazar brought his extensive diplomatic and governmental expertise to international affairs by serving as the United States Ambassador to Mexico. In Borderlands, Salazar weaves these diverse experiences together, using his personal narrative to reflect on the American identity and make a passionate, well-reasoned case for a stronger, more inclusive nation that embraces its diverse populations.
The Role of Higher Education and Hispanic-Serving Institutions
A central focus of the virtual fireside chat was the profound influence of family and education in inspiring and preparing individuals for a life of public service. Ambassador Salazar and the leadership team from HACU explored how institutions of higher learning serve as vital crucibles for developing the next generation of civic, economic, and political leaders.
Special attention was given to Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which play an increasingly critical role in the American educational ecosystem. The discussion highlighted how HSIs are uniquely positioned to prepare students not only for academic and career success, but for impactful leadership roles within their communities and across the nation. By providing accessible, high-quality education and fostering culturally responsive learning environments, these institutions empower students from diverse backgrounds to step into leadership positions that shape public policy, business, and community development.
The dialogue emphasized that the future strength of the United States depends heavily on the academic and professional achievements of students attending HSIs and similar institutions. Leaders discussed strategies for ensuring that these campuses remain equipped to nurture resilience, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to civic engagement among their student bodies.
Bridging Divides and Strengthening U.S.-Mexico Relations
Beyond domestic leadership and educational access, the conversation expanded into international territory, touching upon some of the most pressing geopolitical and cultural themes of our time. Drawing from his extensive tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Salazar offered unique insights into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-Mexico relations.
The panelists and moderator examined practical ways to bridge political and cultural divides, both within the United States and across international borders. They discussed the immense potential for expanding opportunities for cross-border collaboration in key sectors such as education, scientific research, and workforce development. Such partnerships are viewed as essential for addressing shared regional challenges, fostering mutual economic prosperity, and building lasting bridges of understanding between neighboring nations.
Salazar underscored that diplomacy and international cooperation begin with cultural appreciation and educational exchanges. By fostering stronger ties between universities on both sides of the border, institutions can help cultivate a generation of leaders who view international collaboration not as an option, but as a fundamental necessity for regional stability and growth.
Bringing Borderlands to Campuses Nationwide
Toward the conclusion of the fireside chat, the discussion shifted to practical applications for educational institutions wishing to incorporate the themes of the book into their academic and campus cultures. Ambassador Salazar introduced an exciting new initiative designed to make his memoir accessible to students across the country.
Salazar shared details about One Book, More Voices, a collaborative effort launched under the Borderlands New North American Alliance Fund. This initiative is structured to provide matching copies of the book for classrooms, university libraries, and student-focused programs. The program aims to encourage institutional adoption of the text, allowing educators to use Borderlands as a catalyst for classroom discussions, campus-wide reads, and student engagement initiatives centered on civic responsibility, inclusion, and leadership.
Through initiatives like One Book, More Voices, educational institutions can bring the lived experiences and policy insights of Ambassador Salazar directly into the hands of students, sparking meaningful conversations about the ongoing journey toward an inclusive America. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among participants, reinforcing HACU’s ongoing mission to champion student success and elevate the profile of Hispanic-Serving Institutions nationwide.
