Norlan Hernández, Ph.D., associate provost for engagement and inclusive teaching and learning, represented Fresno Pacific University at the 11th Annual Clovis Unified School District Latino Student Success Conference Monday, March 3.

“Some 600 high school students spent a day being affirmed, inspired and equipped to be the next generation of leaders,” said Hernández, who gave the keynote address.

In his talk, Hernández:

  • Told his story of being a son of immigrants and first-generation college student who, despite family and financial challenges, demonstrated resilience by spending 14 straight years in school and earning a doctorate.
  • Shared statistics of the growth in the Hispanic population in the United States, specifically in post-secondary education, with more Latinas and Latinos earning college degrees, and that while 73% of the growth in the workforce from 2010-20 came from the Hispanic community, less than 4% of C-suite positions in Fortune 500 companies are held by Latinas/os.
  • Called for each student to rise to the occasion in this very difficult time, when Latinas and Latinos are painted as lazy, dangerous and uneducated. “I told them how I am trying to help rewrite that narrative and asked them to join me,” he said.

At Fresno Pacific University 60% of students are Hispanic and 97% of undergraduate students receive financial aid, making access to higher education possible.

More on the event at:

Author

Wayne Steffen
Associate Director of Publications and Media Relations

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