Arizona Western College strengthens commitment to Hispanic student success at HACU conference
October 30, 2025Aurora, Colo. (October 30, 2025) – From October 31st to November 3rd, multiple representatives from Arizona Western College leadership and student body will be attending the 39th annual conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) in Aurora, Colorado. The conference provides an exchange of ideas regarding best practices in higher education at Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI).
“At Arizona Western College, our mission is rooted in service to our students, our community, and the future we’re building together,” said AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “With over seventy percent of our students identifying as Hispanic, our commitment to understanding and meeting their needs is central to everything we do. Participating in the HACU Conference allows us to learn, collaborate, and bring back ideas that strengthen our ability to empower every student to thrive.”
AWC’s CEO of Entrepreneurial College and Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs, Dr. Reetika Dhawan, has been invited to serve as a faculty presenter for the Enlace Mid-Level Leadership Program, a six-month development program for college and university personnel. Dr. Dhawan will also be speaking in the Senior Administrators panel of the annual Dean’s Forum, a pre-conference event which takes place on October 31. Alongside educational leaders from James Madison University, California State University System, and Babson College, Dr. Dhawan will dialogue on the state of higher education across the nation under the theme of “Shaping Visionary Leaders for a Thriving and Democratic Future.”
“As a proud Hispanic-Serving Institution, Arizona Western College is honored to join the HACU Annual Conference to share how community colleges can lead with innovation and purpose,” Dr. Dhawan shared. “The Dean’s Forum and Enlace participation reflect our ongoing commitment to expanding opportunity and voice for our students locally and nationally. HACU reminds us that when we invest in Hispanic success, we invest in America’s future.”
Two of AWC’s Board of Directors, Maria Chavoya and Olivia Zepeda, will also be attending the conference in addition to participating in the Women’s Leadership Symposium on October 31.
“I’m honored to represent Arizona Western College at the HACU Conference and to connect with others who are equally passionate about uplifting Hispanic students and communities,” Chavoya said. “I know firsthand how education transforms lives, and I’m proud to see AWC leading with heart and purpose as a true Hispanic-Serving Institution.”
“I’m excited to join colleagues from across the country at the HACU Conference to share in the mission of advancing Hispanic higher education,” Zepeda added. “Each conversation helps us strengthen how we serve our students at Arizona Western College—with compassion, innovation, and a deep belief in their potential to shape thriving communities.”
During the conference, two of AWC’s first-generation students have the unique opportunity to attend the HACU “Student Track,” also known as the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute, where they will spend three days in career and leadership development training with career professionals and representatives from graduate school programs.
As an institution deeply connected to its community, Arizona Western College continues to engage in opportunities like the HACU Conference to better understand and respond to the evolving needs of its predominantly Hispanic student body, ensuring that every student has the resources and support to achieve lasting success.
More information about the HACU 39th Annual Conference can be found here.
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About the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities:
The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts in the U.S. Founded in 1986, HACU is the only national association that represents existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Its mission is to champion Hispanic success in higher education by improving access to and the quality of postsecondary educational opportunities for Hispanic students. HACU advocates for public and private sector support, promotes partnerships, and provides professional development and leadership opportunities to advance equity and excellence in education.
Contact:
Reetika Dhawan
Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Workforce & Healthcare Programs
Arizona Western Entrepreneurial College
reetika.dhawan@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7769