Waubonsee Community College Dean for Academic Support Jessica Moreno has been selected as one of 45 faculty and staff from across the nation to join the sixth cohort of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (H.A.C.U.) Leadership Academy, La Academia de Liderazgo. This prestigious program aims to cultivate the next generation of diverse leaders at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs).
“I am deeply honored by this national opportunity to broaden my horizons and expand possibilities—not just for myself, but for nuestra comunidad and for those striving to break barriers,” Moreno said. “This initiative represents hope and opens doors for Latinos to confidently envision themselves in leadership roles, paving the way for future generations. With so few of us in upper levels of administration, I am immensely grateful for this opportunity.”
Moreno highlighted that the program will equip her to better serve students and foster a culture of leadership. “I look forward to the Leadership Academy, which I believe will continue to equip me with the tools needed to uplift our community and inspire others to believe that sí se puede,” Moreno added.
La Academia was established to address the declining representation of Hispanic university presidents amid rising enrollment of Hispanic college students. The year-long program offers fellows access to prominent higher education leaders and includes an international component outside the mainland U.S.
In her role at Waubonsee, Moreno oversees key initiatives in Academic Support that enhance student success, including the First-Year Experience and Developmental Education in accordance with the Developmental Education Reform Act (DERA) passed into law in March 2021. She manages a range of specialized programs such as Tutoring Waubonsee's Quick Path, SmarterMeasure, Academic Coaches and Online Navigators. She spearheaded the MyMaterials initiative, which significantly reduced costs for students by providing affordable textbooks and course materials. Moreno’s contributions were recognized last year when she was named the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Christine J. Sobek Outstanding Administrator Award, recognizing exceptional leadership of a top Waubonsee leader.
Moreno is a first-generation graduate and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northeastern Illinois University and a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Northern Illinois University.
Waubonsee is recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) by the United States Department of Education. The college is dedicated to increasing the institution's capacity to serve Latinx learners holistically.
Above: Jessica Moreno, Dean for Academic Support
