STU's Dr. Torres selected as fellow by Hispanic Assoc. of College and Universities

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) selected Dr. Luis Fernández-Torres, dean of academics at St. Thomas University (STU), as a fellow for its Inaugural Presidential Leadership Academy, La Academia de Liderazgo.
HACU created the academy in response to a declining percentage of Hispanic university presidents, despite unprecedented growth of Hispanic college student enrollment nation-wide. Fellows will participate in a series of leadership development seminars throughout the year designed to prepare them for leadership roles in higher education.
Arriving to St. Thomas in 2012, Fernández-Torres teaches general chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry; and he actively performs undergraduate research in surface science, nanotechnology, solar energy harvesting, and antioxidants.  He is also involved in undergraduate research collaborations with other universities. And, as a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) since 2001, he advises the ACS student chapter.
Fernández-Torres is one of 24 fellows selected by HACU for the Academy. Through the program, he will be mentored by a nationally recognized university president and develop a special project designed to have an impact at STU.
“The Presidential Leadership Academy, La Academia de Liderazgo, meets HACU’s mission to champion Hispanic success in Hispanic higher education,’” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “By preparing more Latinos/Latinas for leadership roles with a special focus on Hispanic-Serving Institutions, HACU and the Fellows who participate will have a profound impact on the students they serve and the institutions they lead.”
HACU, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. The mission of HACU is to Champion Hispanic Success in Higher Education. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are located in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Sacramento, California and Washington D.C. Information is available at www.hacu.net.