On the left is a photo of Dr. Nireta Seals and on the right is a photo of Olivia Padilla-Jackson

CNM's Dr. Nireata Seals and Olivia Padilla-Jackson Named as Fellows for Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo

The year-long fellowship will include various leadership seminars and the development of a special project that’s designed to positively impact CNM
September 26, 2024

CNM, along with the the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), is pleased to announce that CNM Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Nireata Seals and CNM Vice President of Finance & Operations Olivia Padilla Jackson are among 45 fellows nationally who will make up the sixth cohort of the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. The program is designed to increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education.   

“The HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo has a proven record of advancing diverse leaders within a wide range of higher education institutions, demonstrating the value of the program in expanding representation at the highest levels of college and university administrations” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “We are proud of our previous cohorts in how they have moved into the upper ranks of academia with speed and fully expect this current cohort to match if not exceed our alums in successfully breaking into leadership roles across the nation.” 

Fellows participate in an array of leadership development activities preparing them for leadership roles in the full spectrum of institutions of higher learning, with an emphasis on Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Emerging HSIs. 

“I’m excited that Nireata and Olivia have been selected for this outstanding leadership development opportunity with HACU,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “Both Nireata and Olivia are very accomplished higher education leaders and I’m confident that this experience with HACU will help them continue to grow and enhance their leadership abilities and leadership potential. Their participation in the HACU Leadership Academy will be beneficial for their professional development and it will be beneficial as they apply what they learn to their important work at CNM.” 

The one-year fellowship program includes webinars and three seminars, with the first seminar held in October in conjunction with HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Colorado. The second seminar will be held in Washington, D.C., in April 2025, at HACU’s National Capitol Forum. The third seminar will take place at a still-to-be-determined location. 

The Leadership Academy consists of current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators and brings over 100 years of combined experience in serving various sectors of higher education, including private/public universities, community colleges, and faith-based institutions. Mentorship with a university president or senior-level administrator is a key component, as well as the development of a special project designed to have an impact at the Fellow’s current institution.  

More information about the HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo  is available at www.hacu.net/leadershipacademy. You can also view a full list of the 2024-2025 fellows here.