Seton Hall Showcases Innovation in Experiential Learning and Graduate Pathways at HACU Annual Conference in Denver

Seton Hall University strengthened its national visibility in Hispanic student success this month through its participation in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Annual Conference in Denver.

Associate Provost Mary Kate Naatus co-presented a highly attended workshop titled “Building High-Impact Experiential Learning Pathways at HSIs and Emerging HSIs.” The session highlighted Seton Hall’s expanding initiatives that support access, equity and career readiness for Latino/a/x students, ranging from microcredentials and leadership badges to campus-based projects, corporate partnerships and learn-while-you-earn pathways such as the CPA Apprenticeship model. Naatus co-led the workshop alongside colleagues, Maryellen Hamilton, Ph.D., from Saint Peter’s University and Nicki Gonzalez, Ph.D., from Regis University. Together, they shared lessons learned from institutions at different stages of the HSI journey, from decades-long experience to newly designated.

Attendees explored structured scenarios, heard from students and alumni and examined practical strategies for scaling experiential learning, especially for students balancing financial, work and family responsibilities. Saint Peter’s alumnus, Carlos Aldama, provided a personal student testimonial on how high impact practices in the classroom shaped his professional development.

“Across higher education, experiential learning is one of the most powerful drivers of student engagement, retention and career success,” said Naatus. “Seton Hall’s presence at HACU reflects our commitment to expanding these transformative learning opportunities and ensuring they are accessible to all students, including those historically underserved.”

In addition to faculty and administrative participation, Seton Hall was also represented on the student-focused side of the conference. Brian Garrett, assistant director of Graduate Affairs, delivered an interactive session for undergraduate attendees titled “Why Graduate School Matters: Pathways to Purpose and Professional Impact.” Garrett provided guidance on preparing competitive applications, understanding funding options and selecting graduate programs that align with students’ long-term goals.

“Helping students envision themselves in graduate school and giving them the tools to get there is essential for upward mobility and leadership development,” Garrett noted. “HACU offers an ideal platform to connect with aspiring scholars from HSI campuses nationwide.”

This year’s HACU conference engagement comes at a pivotal moment for Seton Hall, which earned official Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation in August 2025. The milestone reflects years of coordinated leadership by co-chairs Lori Tarke, dhsc, and Ghana Hylton, supported by the continued work of the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute and Office of Campus Inclusion in strengthening academic, cultural and leadership opportunities for Hispanic and Latinx students.

Looking ahead, Seton Hall will extend its HSI impact by hosting the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) Lorenzo De Zavala Youth Legislative Summer Program on campus from July 19–26, 2026. The weeklong program will welcome high performing high school students from across the region and from abroad for leadership development, community-building and college-access enrichment experiences.

As Seton Hall continues to expand pathways for pre-college level engagement, impactful experiential learning, global engagement and graduate education, its participation at national convenings like HACU demonstrates the university’s growing leadership in advancing equitable outcomes for Latino/a/x students and all members of the university community.

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