The University of St. Thomas-Houston, a campus that fosters ethical leadership in its students, faculty and staff, is pleased to highlight alumnus and Rising Stars Internship Program Director Dan Garcia, MBA ’09, for his acceptance into a prestigious leadership program through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).
HACU Leadership Training
UST is a Hispanic-serving institution, and HACU champions Hispanic success in higher education. It represents more than 500 colleges and universities and offers valuable training to develop Hispanic leadership.
Garcia will participate in the sought-after Enlace Mid-Level Leadership Program. This six-month initiative, offered once annually and starting in October, underscores the value of continuous learning and development in Garcia’s leadership journey. Topics will include academic and student affairs management; regional institutional accreditation; diversity, equity and inclusion; and higher education advocacy.
“I look forward to becoming more proficient and innovative in using data to serve students effectively,” Garcia said. “And it will be stimulating to participate in a ‘think tank’ and share ideas on how to serve students better and create an equitable learning environment.”
Executive leaders in education from around the country will teach the classes.
“With this premier training, I aim to build my leadership toolbox and help take UST to the next level.”
Building on Garcia’s Impressive Accomplishments
Already a standout leader at UST, Garcia heads the Rising Stars, a life-changing program that supports first-generation college students (like he was) to succeed. The students receive foundational tools and skills and a high-value corporate internship to prepare them for the professional world. With a personal mission to support disadvantaged students, Garcia helped lead the program from just five students in 2019 to more than 250 from across Houston and Texas.
In addition, he is the director of the University’s Title V CORE grant, which provides resources and wraparound services to remove barriers to success for students from marginalized backgrounds.
Garcia said, “We’re providing life-changing opportunities to these students and helping them fulfill their potential and realize their dreams.”
Recognizing his expertise and leadership in the Rising Stars program, the Pasos Network at Dominican University has invited Garcia to participate in a consultation with key university leaders working in Catholic universities and serving undocumented students.
But Garcia’s projects and initiatives don’t stop with Rising Stars and the grant.
“Our big project is bringing back the Celt Pantry this fall,” he enthused. “Through a partnership with the Houston Food Bank, we will be able to reduce or eliminate food insecurity on campus. We’re also excited to grow our DREAM.US program to help undocumented students get a high-quality education at UST.”
A Leader Before, Now & in the Future
A born leader, Garcia has twice served as president of the UST Alumni Association Board. He also received UST’s highest alumni honor, the Guinan 2020 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award.
Garcia sees himself joining a higher education executive leadership team in the future and leading the way in student success initiatives.