New Leaders in Education May 2025
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
Photo by Jeison Higuita on Unsplash High in the Andes, where Peru and Bolivia share a sacred border more than 12,500 feet above sea level, lies Lake Titicaca—the highest navigable lake in the world. Revered in Andean cosmology and central to many pre-Columbian myths, the lake spans over 8,300 square kilometers and holds not only ecological richness but also remarkable cultural heritage. Near the Peruvian city of Puno, a unique community continues to float—literally—on its waters. These are the Uros, an Indigenous people whose homes is not on land but on human-made islands built entirely of reeds. According to the BBC, approximately 1,300 Uros people live on around 80 man-made floating islands in Lake Titicaca today.
Marvin Martinez, an immigrant from El Salvador, built a 36-year career in higher education leadership, expanding access, advocating for Latino students, and promoting community college partnerships, workforce development, and adult education to meet changing demographics and uplift underrepresented communities.
NYU Buenos Aires, parte de la red global de la universidad, es un sitio que ofrece a los estudiantes una experiencia académica viva y enriquecedora, junto con una inmersión cultural completa. Los estudiantes suelen vivir con familias argentinas y aprenden español rápidamente; además, tienen la oportunidad de explorar temas como la justicia social con profesores que son de las figuras más respetadas e influyentes del país.
Trump’s inauguration faced cold weather disruptions, with inaugural balls highlighting Hispanic influence. Early executive orders focused on defunding USAID and the Department of Education while clarifying that birthright citizenship would be limited, not ended, sparking legal and legislative debates.
The Columbia Global Center Santiago connects Columbia University with Latin America, fostering collaboration in education, research, and innovation. It addresses global and local challenges through thematic pillars—climate, humanities, journalism, and democracy—while supporting scholars, students, and impactful partnerships.
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A Pew Research Center study highlights that only 7% of Latinos hold graduate degrees, driven by financial barriers, limited guidance, and first-generation challenges. Experts stress the need for increased accessibility, mentorship, and systemic reforms to boost Latino graduate success. Photo by The Jopwell Collection on Unsplash
Higher education data shows that the pathway between undergraduate and graduate education narrows considerably for Hispanics/Latinos, with relatively few continuing their studies at this level, resulting in a persistent under-representation of Hispanics/Latinos in Master’s and PhD programs.
Photos courtesy of UIC. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) supports minority student success through programs like LARES, L@S GANAS, and the Bridge to Faculty initiative. As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, UIC fosters diversity, inclusivity, and mentorship, empowering students like Rosa Elena Mendoza to achieve academic excellence.
Photos courtesy of CSU Fullerton Cal State Fullerton’s federally funded Project upGRADS enhances Latinx and underrepresented students’ access to graduate education through advising, mentorship, scholarships, and cultural awareness initiatives, significantly improving enrollment, retention, and graduation rates while fostering community and institutional transformation.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) excels in providing inclusive, high-quality education for Hispanic and underrepresented students, particularly in STEM and graduate programs, through Title V grants, scholarships, and innovative pathways, shaping future leaders in diverse fields and industries.
Higher education faces intense scrutiny over corruption in admissions, DEI practices, and minority recruitment amid rising calls for meritocracy. Key issues include elite college scandals, affirmative action rulings, and threats to dismantle the Department of Education under conservative leadership.
Latinos face underrepresentation in graduate education due to financial and systemic barriers. Programs offering scholarships, mentorship, and culturally responsive support, like those at CSUSB, empower students like Pablo Gutierrez to overcome challenges and drive community impact.
Willingness to understand others is a sublime virtue that unites us.
As 2024 ends, we would like to take a moment to honor and celebrate U.S. college and university Hispanic presidents featured this year. We congratulate them for their achievements, which mark significant milestones in leadership and recognition of diversity in higher education. These real trailblazers inspire the next generation and play a crucial role in a growing inclusive academic community.
