Public Relations

NWACC names Hernandez as Diversity Coordinator

            BENTONVILLE (Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008) – A major advocate of Arkansas and national minority learners and initiatives has been named Diversity Coordinator at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, President Dr. Becky Paneitz announced today.

            Rey Hernandez (pictured) will coordinate diversity initiatives on campus, serve as the College’s diversity representative to regional chambers of commerce and other groups, and will direct the NWACC Amigos program.

            Hernandez will work within the Office of the President and reports directly to the Executive Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Board Relations, Paneitz said.

            He begins work in his new capacity Nov. 3.

            Hernandez comes to the position from the NWACC Adult Education Program, where he served as ESL Examiner for the past 14 months.

            “I am so pleased that Rey Hernandez will move to the President’s Office as NWACC’s Diversity Coordinator,” Dean of Adult Education Ben Aldama said. “”Rey has made a tremendous contribution to the program and he will be missed. I believe he will make an impact here at the College and in the community. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”

            He is a 19-year resident of northwest Arkansas who moved here after his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps.  He has served as the chairman for the Multicultural Forum of Rogers, was a founding member of the Human Resources Preservation League of Springdale, and served on the board of several local non-profit organization to include the National Conference of Christians and Jews. 

            He currently serves as the Deputy State Director for Arkansas the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

            A self-described a Latino, veteran, rancher, grandparent, and student, Hernandez brings many perspectives to the position, Paneitz said.

            “I view diversity as not just multiculturalism, but rather as encompassing all persons that encounter barriers to education whether they are physical, social, or financial,” Hernandez said. “As a learning institution, NWACC provides opportunity to everyone in the area who desires to make a profound change in their lives.

            “I’m excited about the opportunity.”

            He holds an Associate Degree in Art and will earn his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Arkansas in May 2009.

For questions/comments on this content, please contact Rey Hernandez.

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