The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) has announced that it will host an exclusive virtual fireside chat featuring Ambassador Ken Salazar, the distinguished author of the widely discussed book Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America. The special online event is scheduled to take place on October 15, 2026, at 2 p.m. Central Time, bringing together prominent academic leaders and members of the higher education community for a compelling dialogue on public service, leadership, and national inclusivity.
The virtual session will feature a conversation with Ambassador Salazar led by HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. The discussion will be moderated by Abel A. Chávez, President of Our Lady of the Lake University, who will guide the dialogue through the central themes of Salazar’s career, his literary work, and his extensive background in state, national, and international governance. The event is designed to offer profound insights into the intersection of education, cultural identity, and the continuous pursuit of an inclusive American society.
Ambassador Salazar’s remarkable life trajectory serves as a foundational element of the upcoming discussion. Growing up on his family’s traditional ranch in the rugged San Luis Valley of Colorado, Salazar broke historical barriers as the first member of his immediate family to pursue and complete a college education. This milestone set the stage for an extraordinary career in public service that spans multiple decades and encompasses some of the most influential roles in American governance.
Throughout his distinguished career, Salazar has served the public in numerous capacities, including as the Attorney General of Colorado, a United States Senator representing the state, the Secretary of the Interior in the federal cabinet, and, most recently, as the United States Ambassador to Mexico. In his book Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America, Salazar reflects upon the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of these diverse roles. Drawing from his personal history and professional journey, he articulates a powerful case for building a stronger, more cohesive, and deeply inclusive America that honors its diverse cultural roots while looking forward to a shared future.
The upcoming fireside chat will delve deeply into these themes, exploring how early influences such as family upbringing and access to quality education shape a life dedicated to public service. Furthermore, the conversation will examine the vital role that higher education institutions play in nurturing and developing the next generation of leaders. Special attention will be given to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the unique methodologies they employ to prepare students from all backgrounds for impactful leadership roles in civic life, government, and industry.
In addition to leadership and educational development, the dialogue will address broader societal challenges, including the importance of bridging the political and cultural divides that currently characterize national and international landscapes. Given Salazar’s extensive diplomatic experience, the conversation will also touch upon the critical importance of strengthening bilateral relations between the United States and Mexico, as well as expanding opportunities for cross-border collaboration in areas such as academic education, scientific research, and workforce development.
A key highlight of the event will be the introduction of an innovative academic initiative known as “One Book, More Voices.” Ambassador Salazar will share details about this new effort, which operates under the Borderlands New North American Alliance Fund. The program is designed to facilitate institutional engagement by providing matching copies of the book for use in classrooms, campus libraries, and specialized student programs, allowing educators to integrate the text’s core themes directly into their curricula.
The webinar is open broadly to representatives from HACU-member institutions and institutional partners. University and college presidents, campus faculty members, and administrative staff are strongly encouraged to attend. In particular, educators and scholars working within academic disciplines such as political science, history, Chicano and Latino studies, Southwest studies, international relations, and public policy will find the discussion directly relevant to their fields. Academic leaders are also encouraged to share information about the event with their student bodies to foster broader campus engagement with the themes of the book and the discussion.
Individuals interested in participating in this unique virtual event can complete their registration by visiting the official registration page provided by HACU. Through events such as this fireside chat, HACU continues its ongoing mission to champion Hispanic success in higher education and provide platforms for meaningful dialogue on the issues shaping the future of the nation and its educational institutions.
