The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has announced that it will host an exclusive virtual fireside chat featuring Ambassador Ken Salazar, author of the acclaimed book Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America. The virtual event is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. CT, and promises to draw educators, students, and policymakers from across the nation to discuss the intersection of public service, education, and national inclusion.
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores will join Ambassador Salazar for the in-depth conversation. The session will be moderated by Abel A. Chávez, President of Our Lady of the Lake University. Together, these academic and public sector leaders will explore key themes from Salazar’s life and career, examining how educational access and cultural heritage shape the future of leadership in the United States and abroad.
The event highlights the ongoing mission of HACU to champion Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and elevate voices that advocate for equity, educational opportunity, and cross-border collaboration. As universities and colleges continue to navigate complex social, political, and economic landscapes, the discussion is expected to provide timely insights for institutional leaders seeking to empower the next generation of diverse professionals.
A Lifetime of Public Service Rooted in the American West
Ken Salazar’s journey to the highest levels of American governance is a quintessential story of perseverance, community roots, and public dedication. Growing up on his family’s traditional ranch in the rugged San Luis Valley of Colorado, Salazar was part of a family deeply connected to the land and their cultural heritage. Significantly, he was the first member of his family to attend college, an achievement that opened doors to a remarkable career in law, politics, and diplomacy.
Salazar’s extensive career in public service spans multiple decades and high-profile roles. He served as the attorney general of Colorado, where he focused on protecting natural resources and upholding consumer rights, before being elected to the United States Senate. In Washington, D.C., he brought a distinctive Western perspective to national legislative debates. Later, he accepted an appointment as the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, managing federal lands, national parks, and natural resource policies during a critical period in environmental management. Most recently, Salazar served on the international stage as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, working to strengthen diplomatic ties, economic partnerships, and security cooperation between the neighboring nations.
In his book, Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America, Salazar reflects upon these decades of high-stakes experience. He uses his personal narrative to make a compelling case for a stronger, more inclusive America—one that recognizes the contributions of all its communities, bridges historical divides, and honors the rich cultural tapestry that defines the nation’s borders.
Exploring the Role of Higher Education and Leadership
During the upcoming virtual fireside chat, the conversation will delve deeply into how family background, personal identity, and higher education profoundly influence public service. Ambassador Salazar and HACU President Antonio R. Flores will discuss the vital responsibilities that colleges and universities hold in developing the next generation of civic and professional leaders.
A central focus of the dialogue will be the unique position of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). As primary engines of social mobility and academic achievement for Hispanic and underrepresented students, HSIs play a transformative role in preparing young people for leadership roles in government, business, science, and the humanities. The panel will examine practical ways these institutions can foster environments that nurture leadership, resilience, and civic engagement.
Furthermore, the discussion will address broader contemporary challenges, including the imperative to bridge political and cultural divides in an increasingly polarized society. By examining Salazar’s diplomatic career and domestic policy experience, attendees will gain perspective on how effective communication, mutual respect, and cross-cultural understanding can resolve complex disputes. The conversation will also touch upon strengthening U.S.-Mexico relations and expanding opportunities for collaborative endeavors in higher education, scientific research, and workforce development across international boundaries.
Bringing Borderlands to Classrooms Through the New Initiative
An important component of the event will be the introduction of a new educational initiative associated with Ambassador Salazar’s book. Salazar will share details on how colleges, universities, and high schools can bring Borderlands directly to their students through One Book, More Voices.
This collaborative effort is part of the Borderlands New North American Alliance Fund, designed to provide matching copies of the book for classrooms, campus libraries, and specialized student programs. By integrating the text into academic curricula, educators can utilize Salazar’s experiences to stimulate classroom discussions on history, political science, civil rights, and international relations. The initiative aims to make the book accessible to a wide audience of students, encouraging them to engage critically with the concepts of inclusion, public leadership, and national identity.
The virtual webinar is open broadly to HACU-member institutions, educational partners, and the academic community. University and college presidents, faculty members, and campus administrators are particularly encouraged to attend. In addition, faculty members teaching in disciplines such as political science, history, Chicano/Latino and Southwest studies, international relations, and public policy will find the discussion directly applicable to their coursework and research. Institutional leaders are also invited to share registration details with their student bodies to encourage broad participation from emerging scholars.
Registration for the event is currently open, and interested participants can secure their attendance online. Through events like this fireside chat, HACU continues to provide platforms for meaningful dialogue, connecting prominent national figures with the academic community to inspire leadership and foster educational equity.
