Sylvia Y. Acosta, CEO of the New Mexico State University Foundation, has been named one of 45 fellows in the sixth cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo.

The program aims to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level roles in higher education. Over the next year, Acosta will engage in activities designed to enhance leadership skills specific to institutions of higher learning, particularly Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

“This experience will provide me with invaluable leadership insights to drive our Foundation forward, tapping into the passions of our donors to create lasting, positive change for our students and NMSU,” Acosta said. “I’m deeply honored to be selected as a La Academia de Liderazgo Fellow, an opportunity that will undoubtedly inspire fresh approaches to shaping a brighter future for New Mexico State as we continue turning students’ dreams into reality.”

New Mexico State University (NMSU) is a land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research, public service, and outreach at all levels. It is recognized as an HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution), Minority-Serving Institution, NASA Space Grant College, military and veteran-friendly university, and home to New Mexico's first Honors College. The NMSU Foundation was established in 1959 and manages over $426 million in philanthropic assets.

“In just one year as CEO, Dr. Acosta’s impact has been immediate and profound as she and her team led the Foundation to its third-highest fundraising year and strengthened ties with alumni and supporters to secure vital resources that will empower NMSU to continue making lasting impacts on generations of students, faculty, and programs,” said Louis A. Vega, NMSU Foundation board chair and president of Dow North America. “Her selection as an academy fellow reflects her talent and professionalism, and we’re fortunate to have her leading us to new heights of success.”

HACU represents more than 500 colleges and universities across the United States, Latin America, Spain, and U.S. school districts. Fellows participate in various leadership development activities preparing them for roles across different types of higher education institutions with a focus on HSIs.

“We are so fortunate to have Dr. Acosta’s leadership at the NMSU Foundation and to have her as part of our university community,” said NMSU Interim President Mónica Torres. “Her energy and her passion for NMSU’s land-grant mission to serve our state and our diverse student population are unsurpassed. We’re delighted that she has earned this prestigious recognition.”

The Leadership Academy faculty includes current and former presidents, chancellors, senior administrators with over 100 years combined experience across private universities, public universities community colleges faith-based institutions Mentorship from a university president or senior-level administrator is key component along with development special project designed impact fellow's current institution

For more information about HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo visit www.hacu.net/leadershipacademy.