Hudson County Community College President Dr. Christopher Reber has begun a two-year term on the Governing Board of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). His selection became official during the organization’s 39th Annual Conference, which took place in Aurora, Colorado. Hudson County Community College (HCCC) participates in HACU as a Hispanic Serving Institution and was among the 18 institutions that formed the association at its founding in 1986.
- HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber was elected to a two-year term on the HACU Governing Board during the association’s 39th Annual Conference.
- HCCC’s deep history with HACU, including founding membership in 1986 and ongoing leadership programs, grants, and regional summits, strongly shaped the appointment.
- Reber’s tenure includes major initiatives such as the Golden Door/La Puerta Dorada ESL overhaul, support for HACU fellowships, and consistent work to close equity gaps for students.
Campus Projects Connected to Reber’s Work at HCCC
During his presidency, Dr. Reber has directed initiatives focused on expanding academic support, raising student performance outcomes, and reducing disparities across the student population. One of the institution’s major efforts in this period was the five-year Golden Door/La Puerta Dorada grant-funded project. This work redesigned the college’s English as a Second Language program by creating the ESL Pathway Academy and the ESL Resource Center, restructuring how students progress through language learning.
HCCC also hosted a “HACU on the Road” Summit in 2024, bringing together representatives from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The event centered on sharing effective programs, new approaches, and partnerships related to higher education within the region.
The college maintains an annual Teaching and Learning Symposium on Social Justice in Higher Education, which routinely features HACU involvement and focuses on issues tied to equity in academic environments. Faculty and staff at HCCC have consistently taken part in HACU leadership and fellowship opportunities for several years, strengthening connections between the institution and the association’s professional development programs.
The HCCC Foundation Art Collection includes 75 permanent works by Hispanic artists, incorporating cultural representation throughout the college. In recognition of sustained participation and impact, HCCC received the 2023 Outstanding HACU-Member Institution Award. On a national level, Dr. Reber has also served on the United States Department of Agriculture-HACU Leadership Group and continues to participate on the HACU Commission on International Education.
Support From HACU Leaders and Formal Acknowledgment
A formal letter from Interim HACU CEO Dr. John Moder confirmed Dr. Reber’s appointment and referenced the importance of leadership from Hispanic-Serving Institutions in advancing the association’s goals. The message also recognized HCCC’s long-term involvement in HACU initiatives.
HACU’s Mission and Student-Focused Programs
HACU operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving outcomes for Hispanic students in higher education. Its services include internships, scholarships, programs aimed at supporting college retention and advancement, assistance for students preparing for college, and resources for career development. The association works to strengthen its member campuses, broaden access to quality higher education, and address the needs of business, government, and industry by sharing information and expertise. HACU also engages in federal advocacy, develops institutional capacity, and builds strategic partnerships that support its membership.
