Rivera named to inaugural class of SUNY Hispanic Leadership Institute Fellows

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the inaugural class of Fellows at SUNY's Hispanic Leadership Institute, including Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Carmen Rivera.

The institute is charged with developing and supporting the next generation of executive-level Hispanic/LatinX leaders across the SUNY system. The group of fellows was recognized in Albany recently at the 31st Annual Bienvenida at the SOMOS El Futuro Conference.

"In New York, we know that diversity is our greatest asset and this groundbreaking program will ensure that the leadership at SUNY will reflect the strength of New York's diverse communities," Governor Cuomo said. "This fellowship will give New York's future leaders the tools and training necessary to succeed and lead the SUNY system."

The HLI offers six and 12-month fellowships to SUNY Hispanic/LatinX faculty and staff in leadership positions throughout SUNY, including provosts, chief academic officers, chief business officers, and others. Over the course of the program, fellows will participate in individualized mentoring and assessment and development programs to support their success. The SUNY HLI will also work with the SUNY Chief Diversity Officer to help ensure that search committees are trained to successfully recruit top Hispanic candidates to leadership positions within the university system.

The other 2018 HLI Fellows are: Jeanette Altarriba and Alfredo Medina, University at Albany; Dr. Marla Lujan, SUNY College of Human Ecology at Cornell University; Janice Rivera, Farmingdale State College; Alfredo Balarin, Hudson Valley Community College; Miguel Alonso, Nassau Community College; Liz Iglesias and Genette Alvarez-Ortiz, Nassau Community College; Andre Melendez, SUNY Polytechnic Institute; Phil Ortiz, SUNY System Administration and Sergio Garcia, SUNY Upstate Medical University.

SUNY Chairman H. Carl McCall said, "There is a considerable amount of excitement in the work that will come forth from the Hispanic Leadership Institute, and we are pleased to celebrate the inaugural class of fellows from across SUNY. SUNY is continuing to build on its diversity of students and faculty, and through the fellowship and other targeted programs, we will support and provide opportunities to more leaders from the Hispanic and LatinX communities. My congratulations to the first class of fellows."

SUNY Chancellor Kristina Johnson noted, "There are mentors and there are role models. All individuals can be mentors, but role models are individuals that look like us - they make it possible for us to see ourselves in their role. The Hispanic Leadership Institute is an example of SUNY's commitment to becoming the most inclusive university in the country by providing Latino role models at the highest levels of leadership."

Ricardo Azziz, Chief Officer of Academic Health and Hospital Affairs at SUNY, and Director of the SUNY HLI, added, "This is an exciting and transformative time to be a Hispanic or LatinX leader in higher education. I look forward to working with our inaugural cohort of fellows to foster the development of emerging leaders for SUNY and the State of New York."

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Chair, Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force said, "Governor Cuomo and I know that diversity is New York's greatest strength and that our institutions, particularly those in leadership positions, should reflect the diverse nature of the rest of the state. These fellows are an important step towards making New York an inclusive state that works for everyone in order to build a better future for all New Yorkers."

The HLI serves as a resource for those requiring information regarding the challenges and opportunities for Latino leaders in Higher Education in New York State and nationally; and will undertake and sponsor research in the area of Hispanic leadership development, retention, and success.