CSU Pueblo Alumna and Leader Dr. Victoria Obregón Named Capital One Fellow in Prestigious HACU Leadership Academy

PUEBLO, Colo. - Victoria Obregón, Ph.D., Director of Intercultural Initiatives and Belonging at Colorado State University Pueblo (CSU Pueblo), has been selected as a Capital One Fellow for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo. CSU Pueblo proudly celebrates this achievement, recognizing Dr. Obregón's dedication to student success and leadership in higher education.

Obregón's work is particularly crucial given the unique challenges faced by migrant and immigrant students in higher education.

Recent data underscores the growing importance of this demographic in higher education. According to a 2021 analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, at least 5.6 million students from immigrant families attended U.S. colleges and universities that year. This includes 3.7 million U.S.-born students with immigrant parents and 1.9 million immigrant students. Remarkably, enrollment among these students has surged by 94% over the past two decades, compared to just 6% growth among students from U.S.-born families. In fact, students from immigrant families account for 80% of total enrollment growth in U.S. higher education during this period.

Jeanne Batalova, senior policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, emphasizes the strategic importance of this demographic as reported by Inside Higher Ed, "As regions of the country experience a decline in the number of white, traditional-age college students, colleges and universities stand to benefit from recruiting and retaining students from immigrant families. This population is often overlooked but emerges as a key source of students. Looking forward, given the demographics, these trends are going to continue."

These factors compound the challenges migrant students share with other disadvantaged groups, making targeted support essential for their academic success. Obregón's initiatives at CSU Pueblo directly address these multifaceted issues, creating supportive pathways for student success and bridging the gaps created by their unique circumstances. Her work is not only crucial for current students but also positions CSU Pueblo to effectively serve this growing demographic in the coming years.

"As a proud CSU Pueblo alumna and former first-generation student, I understand firsthand the transformative power of education and the importance of dedicated support systems," said Obregón. "This fellowship will allow me to further develop strategies to empower students who, like me, are blazing new trails in their families and communities. My goal is to continue paying it forward, ensuring that CSU Pueblo remains a catalyst for opportunity and success for all students, particularly those from migrant and underrepresented backgrounds."

Obregón brings a wealth of experience to this role, including her current position at CSU Pueblo, where she has served since 2011. Her background includes:

- Experience as Acting Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at CSU Pueblo

- Extensive volunteer work, including roles with the Caring For Colorado Foundation and the Center for Health Progress

Known for her engaging teaching style and commitment to student success, Obregón has been praised by students for her understanding and supportive approach. Her research focuses on the influence of Spanish-language parent and family member orientation programs on Latinx family involvement and sense of belonging in higher education.

The HACU Leadership Academy has a strong track record of advancing diverse leaders within higher education. Previous fellows have gone on to secure president and senior leadership positions at institutions across the nation.

As part of the fellowship, Obregón will participate in three seminars, including one at HACU's 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado, this October. She will also develop a special project designed to have a significant impact on CSU Pueblo, with a focus on enhancing support for first-generation, migrant, and underrepresented students.