Interim President Acebo Welcomes HACU President Dr. Antonio Flores to NJCU for a Roundtable Discussion
Dr. Flores Joined NJCU Students, Staff, and Allies to Discuss the Crucial Role that HSIs Play in Uplifting Communities and Increasing Access to Opportunity
JERSEY CITY, N.J. | New Jersey City University (NJCU) Interim President Andrés Acebo welcomed Dr. Antonio Flores, President of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), to the university on Friday, May 5, for a roundtable discussion on the crucial role that Hispanic-serving institutions play in uplifting communities and providing equal access to education, and the importance of investing in HSIs. Acebo, the only current Latino university president in the state and only the second in the history of the state, also presented Dr. Flores with the New Jersey City University Presidential Medallion, during his first-ever visit to the campus.
“It’s not lost on me the significance the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities has had, not just for NJCU,” said Acebo. “There is no better advocate for HSIs in Washington and nationally than Dr. Flores. I mean that from the bottom of my heart. We are poised as a community to be elevated because we have true champions that live the mission. HACU is the singular national voice for Hispanic-serving institutions and Hispanic-serving school districts across the country.”
Acebo was joined by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, Hudson County Community College President Dr. Christopher Reber, Union City Public Schools Superintendent Silvia Abbato, Jersey City Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Norma Fernandez, members of the NJCU Board of Trustees, as well as current NJCU students. The group discussed the vital role of HSIs in increasing economic mobility, and NJCU’s unparalleled role in providing access to education for everyone in Hudson County, regardless of their economic circumstances or background.
“We must create a new paradigm of collaboration among all levels of education, creating pathways to success and helping young people to think of themselves as future scientists, engineers, professionals, social workers, teachers — whatever it is that they choose to become — thinking of themselves as the leaders of this nation,” said HACU President Dr. Flores. “That takes institutions like NJCU. I feel honored to take part in this conversation today, and to be sharing ideas about how we are going to continue to contribute to the betterment of the country and beyond.”
"Being here gives us new energy and ways of thinking about what we're going to do next. Thank you very much for inviting me to be part of this here today, and keep up the great work you've been doing,” said Dr. Flores. “Isn't [President Acebo] a great leader? We also pride ourselves in the fact that he is one of our alumni from the Leadership Academy!"
Acebo completed a one-year fellowship program as part of the third annual cohort of the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo in Spring 2022, when he was one of just 25 fellows selected nationally.
While the roundtable was Dr. Flores first visit to the NJCU campus in Jersey City, he previously participated in the university’s commencement exercises in May, 2016 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., when he received an honorary doctorate and was recognized for 20 years of leadership of the Association.
- Listen to an interview with Dr. Flores: https://youtu.be/M6xwAIdwFxc
- Dr. Flores’ full remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GE3eJ0yDj4
- Full Event Photo Gallery: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/946d5b05428442d297bd3ddb63ba7999
- HACU Announcement of Presidential Medallion: https://www.hacu.net/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=4202
About NJCU:
New Jersey City University is an institution of higher learning dedicated to the development of our students, our city, our communities, and our state. We are a game-changing force for our students and have been recognized as one of the top colleges in the nation improving their upward economic mobility. Whether enrolled in one of our undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs at our three locations, NJCU students have access to an affordable, diverse environment, and an exceptionally supportive faculty. This prepares them to go on to become the next generation of workers and leaders who improve their communities and the State of New Jersey.
Contact:
Ira Thor, Associate Vice President for University Communications (interim) | ithor@njcu.edu | 201-200-3301