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.
At H.O. we congratulate new education leaders that have embarked on the challenging but very rewarding journey of education leadership.
In the 2024 U.S. election, divides centered on gender, economic class, and immigration, while Congress anticipates a “lame-duck” session and SCOTUS faces cases on voting and Title IX. Political tensions could lead to recounts and legal challenges.
President Donna Hodge is leading Fitchburg State University’s efforts to achieve Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) status through initiatives focused on Hispanic outreach, diversity, community engagement, and financial transparency, aiming to establish it as a premier institution in Massachusetts.
Dr. Martha Garcia, Mt. San Antonio College's first Latina president, aims to transform higher education by focusing on student belonging, accountability, and success. With a history of impactful leadership, she champions programs addressing mental health, basic needs, and cultural support, especially for Latino and first-generation students.
California State University San Marcos’ Office of Success Coaching helps first-year Latinx and underserved students transition to college, improve retention, and foster persistence through personalized support.
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East Los Angeles College (ELAC) supports a diverse, primarily Hispanic student body with programs like the First Year Experience, free tuition through the College Promise program, and dedicated resources. Student testimonials illustrate ELAC’s transformative role in fostering academic success, community engagement, and personal growth.
A mid the current hyperbole regarding immigration and who has the right to reside in the U.S., it is important to take a step back and analyze the broader context of how the tapestry of U.S. society has been woven over time, and how it continues to be woven by immigrants on a daily basis, in complex ways – keeping in mind that “immigrants” include those who are first-generation U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents, as well as recently-arrived migrants who may be undocumented, or may have temporary/seasonal legal work permits.
Standing out in Texas for its programs and services supporting Hispanic students, Baylor University has earned the status of an “Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution.” With 16% of its student body identifying as Hispanic or Latino, Baylor offers robust academic programs, such as Spanish for Heritage Speakers and a Certificate in Spanish for Health Professions, aimed at enhancing cultural and linguistic competencies.
Manuel Martinez, the first lay person and Latino to lead the Dominican University, brings his diverse background as well as his business and academic experience to expand Dominican University’s visibility and improve student preparation for the technologically changing workforce through a strong financial aid program.
College administrators are actively seeking strategies to balance freedom of speech and safety on campuses in anticipation of potentially violent political protests during the upcoming presidential election season. There is a significant debate about finding the right balance between preventing violence and preserving the rights to free expression and protest.
Andrés Acebo embodies the role of a change agent, having led New Jersey City University (NJCU) through a remarkable recovery from fiscal emergency within just 20 months as interim president. His leadership is marked by a deep commitment to advocating for underserved, first-generation students, drawing on his own experiences as the son of immigrants. Acebo’s drive and strength come from a personal mission to give back to the diverse community that shaped him.
