News Summary
Stephen M. Trzaskoma, Ph.D., dean at Cal State LA, has been awarded a fellowship in the HACU Leadership Academy, which prepares education leaders for executive roles. Supported by the Mellon Foundation and Capital One, the program includes webinars and seminars, emphasizing collaborative learning among peers. The initiative reflects HACU’s commitment to fostering leadership in higher education, especially for underrepresented groups.
Los Angeles – Stephen M. Trzaskoma, Ph.D., has been honored with a fellowship in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ Leadership Academy, a program aimed at equipping higher education leaders for senior and executive roles. The fellowship, which is supported by the Mellon Foundation and Capital One, prepares participants through webinars and three in-person seminars starting in November 2025.
The first of these seminars is set to align with HACU’s 39th Annual Conference, which will take place in Aurora, Colorado. Following the initial seminar, fellows will also attend sessions in Washington, D.C., and at an internationally recognized location to be determined.
Currently, Trzaskoma serves as the dean of the College of Arts and Letters and holds the position of interim dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences at Cal State LA. He joined the university in 2022, contributing over 20 years of extensive academic leadership experience to his role. Prior to his appointment at Cal State LA, he directed the Center for the Humanities at the University of New Hampshire.
Trzaskoma has a diverse academic background, having worked as a professor of classics. His teaching excellence has been acknowledged through multiple awards. He has also gained recognition for his scholarship in ancient Greek prose fiction and mythology. His research endeavors have received backing from prestigious organizations, including the American Council of Learned Societies, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Loeb Classical Library Foundation. His professional pursuits reflect a commitment to equity, justice, and sustainability through interdisciplinary collaboration and community-connected scholarship.
Expressing gratitude for this opportunity, Trzaskoma emphasized the importance of learning and collaborating with his peers in the Leadership Academy. He also acknowledged the support he has received from Cal State LA President Berenecea Johnson Eanes as a vital component of his journey.
This recognition comes on the heels of Cal State LA receiving the Seal of Excelencia in 2023 for its dedication to Latino student success. The university has been a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities since 1989, contributing to the association’s mission that represents over 500 colleges and universities across the United States, Latin America, and Spain, as well as U.S. school districts.
The HACU Leadership Academy has built a robust network of alumni, many of whom have advanced to president positions at various institutions. The support from Capital One and the Mellon Foundation plays a critical role in sustaining this fellowship program, enhancing the opportunities available to aspiring leaders in higher education.
As the HACU continues to develop programs like the Leadership Academy, the association remains committed to fostering leadership in higher education, particularly for individuals from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
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- Noticias Newswire
- Wikipedia: Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
- Politico Pro
- Google Search: HACU Leadership Academy
- Christianity Today
- Google Scholar: HACU
- La Voz Colorado
- Encyclopedia Britannica: HACU
- Denver 7
- Google News: Hispanic student success
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