Fellow Bears,
I am writing to share an update on leadership this academic year for UNC’s Hispanic
Serving Institution (HSI) initiatives and invite you to join me for an informal, small-group
discussion to learn more about how we will continue to advance our commitment as Colorado’s
newest HSI.
Hispanic Serving Institution Fireside Chat
Monday, September 30, 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Centennial Hall
Please register here.
I am pleased to share that Rudy Vargas has been selected to serve asdirector of HSI Initiatives. He will also continue to serve as director of the César Chávez Cultural Center and Undocumented Student Services. Rudy will be joined in leading HSI initiatives by two associate directors, Dr. Whitney Duncan, professor of Anthropology, and Dr. Javier Vinasco-Guzmán, associate professor of Music and director of Latinx Music. These appointments are effective September 1 and are anticipated to continue through the 2024-25 academic year.
Working closely with me and Jennifer Almquist, in her capacity as acting vice president for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the HSI leadership team will help identify and implement the many components necessary to fulfill UNC’s commitments and designation as an HSI now and into the future. I am excited to see how this new collaboration will complement the efforts we have made to date, and I want to thank Rudy, Whitney, and Javier for stepping into these important leadership roles.
I also want to recognize the work of the many people involved in helping UNC to achieve designation as an HSI. In particular, I want to acknowledge the leadership of Dr. Tobias Guzmán and UNC’s inaugural HSI fellows, Dr. Jonathan Alcántar and Cristóbal (Chris) Garcia, and the work of the members of the HSI Steering Committee. Their collective efforts serve as the foundation for our continued work to ensure that our institution fosters a sense of belonging for Hispanic and Latine students, their families, and the broader community.
I hope you will join me on September 30 to learn more about the next steps with this important initiative and watch for ways throughout the year to get involved.
¡Vamos Osos!
Andy Feinstein
President
