Partnerships and serving as conveners for government and industry are key, said CU Boulder Chancellor Justin Schwartz and other leaders when recently discussing the role of universities as catalysts for economies.  

Schwartz joined international education leaders at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) 39th annual conference, participating in the international plenary session titled “Higher Education as a Catalyst for Leadership, Innovation and Economic Prosperity.”

The session brought together senior academic leaders from across the Americas to discuss how universities can serve as incubators for democratic values, economic development and sustainable innovation. Schwartz was joined by:

• José Fierro, PhD, president/superintendent, Cerritos Community College District in California
• Fernando León García, EdD, rector, CETYS Universidad in Mexico
• Emma Grace Hernández, PhD, president, UNIBE of Costa Rica, and plenary session moderator

CU Boulder is an associate member institution of HACU, which recognizes universities for a commitment to Hispanic student success and inclusive excellence. Schwartz emphasized the university’s mission-driven approach to sustainability and innovation, noting CU Boulder’s upcoming 150th anniversary in 2026.

“So much starts with our students and our communities,” Schwartz said. “Economic development must be localized. Our greatest contribution is educating students who take their discoveries into companies and communities. Our students are passionate about living in a sustainable world, and we are looking at how we infuse sustainability across our curriculum.”

Schwartz highlighted the recent launch of CU Boulder’s Buckley Center for Sustainability Education, which accelerates campuswide sustainability education. He also discussed how CU Boulder was recently chosen to serve as the administrative and operational host for the new Carnegie Elective Classification for Sustainability.

Panelists discussed institutional strategies for driving sustainable development, including structural alignment with local priorities, forging industry partnerships and translating academic research into real-world solutions. Fierro shared Cerritos College’s nearly $600 million economic impact and energy-saving initiatives, while García emphasized CETYS Universidad’s zero-waste initiatives and participation in internationally recognized measures of success.  

Panelists explored strategies for building strategic partnerships with industry, government and nongovernmental organizations. Schwartz cited CU Boulder’s collaborations with Ford Motor Company, the state of Colorado and Front Range Community College as examples of mission-aligned partnerships that attract investment and drive innovation.

“Strong partnerships are built on shared goals, and relationships evolve when people see the value of working together,” Schwartz said.

Fierro emphasized that universities can do a better job of having key performance indicators that are tied to economic impact, upward mobility, graduation and employment.  

Audience members asked how institutions can better engage faculty in workforce development and navigate shifting government landscapes. Schwartz reaffirmed CU Boulder’s long-standing mission to serve students and communities, regardless of political climate.

“Our mission hasn’t changed in 150 years,” he said. “We’ll continue building relationships with those aligned with our goals of advancing our students.”