Stephanie M. Rodriguez, New Mexico’s Higher Education Secretary, has been honored with the Outstanding Public Sector Partner Award by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The announcement was made on November 3.
The award acknowledges Rodriguez’s leadership in expanding educational opportunities for underserved communities in New Mexico. It is given nationally to public sector leaders who support HACU’s mission to promote Hispanic higher education success.
Under Rodriguez's direction, the New Mexico Higher Education Department has built stronger relationships with Hispanic-Serving Institutions and worked to make college more affordable through programs such as the Opportunity Scholarship. The department has also backed initiatives that benefit students from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds in the state.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, an organization that has been instrumental in empowering Hispanic-Serving Institutions and transforming higher education for students like it did for me,” said Rodriguez. “This award reflects the dedication of our department and state leaders, like Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who believe that every New Mexican deserves equitable access to higher education and opportunity.”
Rodriguez will participate in HACU’s 39th Annual Conference Town Hall, themed “Heart of Change: Elevating HSIs through Advocacy, Justice and Courageous Leadership.” Leaders at this event will discuss ways to advance Hispanic-Serving Institutions and improve student outcomes nationwide.
HACU is a national advocate for Hispanic-Serving Institutions and plays a key role in obtaining support from federal agencies, corporations, and higher education partners to help Hispanic and minority students succeed.
More information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department can be found at hed.nm.gov.
