Arizona HSIs unite at AWC for annual summit
December 3, 2025Leaders share evidence-based practices in innovation, equity, and Hispanic student success
Yuma, Ariz. (December 3, 2025) – On October 24, Arizona Western College was proud to host the annual consortium summit for Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) in Arizona. Organized by the University of Arizona, the fourth-annual conference brought together over 160 attendees from 15 HSIs across Arizona to exchange evidence-based practices and develop institutional leadership better equipped to serve their student populations.
“It was an honor to be asked to host the AZ Hispanic Serving Institute Summit this year,” shared AWC President Dr. Daniel Corr. “I’m grateful to our faculty, staff, and partners for their thoughtful contributions, and to the students whose perspectives continually guide our work. This summit was a powerful reminder that effective leadership in higher education begins with listening.”
The summit provided a platform for administrators to collaborate and share their areas of expertise, with faculty-led breakout sessions that explored strategies for maximizing student success through topics like mentorship, grant funding, technology, cultural competency, basic needs support, and more. One such session was led by AWC faculty—History Professor Dr. Monica Ketchum-Cardenas, English Professor Dr. Ellen Riek, and Distance Learning Librarian Tymmi Woods—who highlighted their personal strategies for elevating students’ learning experiences with Open Educational Resources (OERs) and innovative projects.
The event also included a student panel, so that college leaders could hear directly from the students they serve.
"This summit was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when institutions come together with a shared commitment to student success,” reflected Eva Aviles, University Partnerships Manager at AWC. “The summit gave us a chance to share what’s working, learn from each other, and leave with ideas we can put into practice right away."
Aviles worked on the Summit planning committee alongside the AWC Director & Dean of CTE and Nursing, Cinthia Reyes, and University of Arizona faculty.
As a proud HSI serving a student population that is approximately 75% Hispanic, AWC remains committed to advancing equitable, culturally responsive support for all students. Hosting the summit reinforces the college’s ongoing efforts to understand student needs and provide the resources necessary for their long-term success.
###
About the Arizona HSI Consortium:
The Arizona HSI Consortium, founded by the University of Arizona, brings together Hispanic-Serving Institutions across the state to collaborate on research, professional development, and evidence-based practices that strengthen Latino student success. Through shared initiatives, grant opportunities, and cross-institutional partnerships, the Consortium supports HSIs in improving access, persistence, transfer pathways, and degree completion for the students they serve.
Contact:
Lorraine Stofft
Vice President for Advancement
Arizona Western College
lorraine.stofft@azwestern.edu
(928) 314-9595