After conducting a national search, Hispanic College Fund announced today that Chancellor Carlos E. Santiago, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has been named to lead the organization as the new chief executive officer, effective Oct. 1. Joseph A. Petrone, who provided distinguished leadership as interim CEO, will continue serving on the board of directors as vice chair of finance and transition duties to Dr. Santiago.
Santiago brings over 30 years of experience in public higher education. As Chancellor of UWM since 2004, he was chief administrative officer of the university with oversight of 3,700 faculty and staff, 30,000 students, and the university's half-billion-dollar annual budget. During his time at UWM, Santiago helped the institution increase enrollment by 12 percent, degrees granted by 12 percent, doctoral degrees available by 114 percent, research funds by 89 percent, established two new academic schools, and completed a record-setting campaign raising about $125 million for the University.
Previously, Santiago served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at the University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY) and functioned as the chief operating officer of the campus. He was instrumental in obtaining the necessary support and approvals for the establishment of the nation’s first graduate school of nanosciences in 2001. The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albanyis the first college in the world dedicated to research, development, education, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics.
Santiago also brings a wealth of expertise in economics with emphasis in labor economics. He was a professor of economics at UWM and holds a Ph.D. in economics from Cornell University. He is also the author or co-author of five books and has published dozens of articles and book reviews, of which many focus on economic development and the changing socioeconomic status of Latinos in the United States.
Walter Nagel, chairman of the Hispanic College Fund board of directors said, “Dr. Santiago brings a proven track record as a builder of institutions and his commitment to the Hispanic College Fund bears witness to the importance of educating Hispanic youth to strengthen America. We are thrilled to have him join the Hispanic College Fund as CEO."
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and it is an honor and privilege to join this fine organization,” said Carlos Santiago, Hispanic College Fund chief executive officer-designate. “I believe in the power of higher education to transform the lives of individuals, their communities, and the nation. I’m very excited to lead an organization that provides an education pipeline to help Hispanic youth go from high school, through college, and into professional careers. This will be a unique opportunity for me to use my experience in higher education and give back to the Latino community.”
Santiago is a native of Puerto Rico.
