In recognition for its groundbreaking insights in the field of higher education the IGI Global Scientific Publishing book,
Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education (ISBN: 9798369304679) edited by Profs. LaVelle Hendricks, Dimitra Smith, Elsa Villarreal, Jose Parra, and Melissa Arrambide of East Texas University, was recently nominated for the
Outstanding Book Award from the
Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE). This award recognizes impactful research in the areas of Chicanx/Latinx higher education and Chicanx/Latinx studies. TACHE is a statewide professional organization dedicated to expanding access, representation, and leadership opportunities for Latino/Hispanic individuals across Texas colleges and universities.
This nomination underscores the scholarly excellence and significance of the research presented in Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education, further strengthening the scientific rigor of IGI Global Scientific Publishing’s Full e-Book Collection. This impressive e-Book Collection is comprised of 10,000+ research books across the subject areas of Business & Management; Science, Technology, & Medicine (STM); and Education & Social Sciences, delivering high-impact, peer-reviewed research that advances critical innovations in higher education and beyond.
Continue reading below to hear from the editors as they reflect on this nomination.
"The changing demographics are obviously on display in the United States. The researchers in our book, Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education, have captured the essence of knowledge and forward thinking in their writings."
- Prof. LaVelle Hendricks
"As an editor for Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education, I am honored and deeply grateful to learn that our book is nominated for recognition by TACHE. This pioneering book reflects a collective commitment to elevating the voices, experiences, and leadership journeys of Hispanic professionals while underscoring the urgent need for greater representation across higher education. More than a celebration of resilience and achievement, the book offers research-driven insights, pragmatic strategies, and a call to action for institutions seeking to create truly welcoming environments where Hispanic leaders can thrive."
- Prof. Dimitra Smith
"As a co-editor in Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education, I am honored that our book has been nominated by TACHE, an organization that takes pride in advocacy and cultural recognition of Latinos/Hispanics/Chicanos in higher education. This book serves as an opportunity for authors to have a voice and celebrate the Latino/Hispanic/Chicano experience."
- Prof. Elsa Villarreal
"It is truly humbling to learn that our book, Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education, has been nominated for TACHE’s 2025 Book Award. For over 50 years, the Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) has demonstrated its “commitment to the improvement and advancement of education and employment opportunities for Latinos/Hispanics/Chicanos in higher education”. As a co-editor,
I am proud of our editorial team for its work in putting together this book deemed worthy of a TACHE 2025 Book Award nomination."
- Prof. Jose Parra
"I am very honored with the book nomination for Hispanic leadership in Education. I think this is an important topic and hope this book is able to help others navigating similar situations or those who simply want to know more about the topic. "
- Prof. Melissa Arrambide
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About the Editors
LaVelle Hendricks is Professor/Department Head of Counseling at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He has served in many leadership positions in Counseling, mental health, and in the field of drug and alcohol addiction. He has served on the Texas Certification Board of Addiction Professional, Past President of Texas Council of Faculty Senates, and currently a trustee on the Commerce Independent School Board. He is a licensed chemical dependency counselor. His teaching and research has been throughout the United States, areas of Asia, Europe, North America, Central America, Middle East. He is a sought-out presenter to children and adults as it relates to how drugs and alcohol impacts the body. Dr. Hendricks currently serves as President of The Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education. His chief aim in life is to see individuals and families set free from the addictive disorder of drugs and alcohol. He was recently given “The Lifetime Achievement Award For Service” for his work in the field of addiction by Commerce Chapter of Texas Association of Addictions Professionals.
Dimitra J. Smith, Ph.D., LCDCI, is a Professor and former Department Head in the Department of Higher Education and Learning Technologies. She is currently the Doctoral Coordinator of the Higher Education Program at East Texas A&M University. She is also a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor - Intern (LCDC-I). Dr. Dimitra Smith is a sought-out presenter for her experience and expertise in leadership, career fulfilment, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education and preparation. She has presented at numerous regional, national, and international conferences, and events. As PI, Dr. Smith recently received a USDA grant for $500,000 to explore the experiences of underrepresented beginning farmers. She has also written and published in major peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Smith is also a children’s book author and has written a number of books focused on educating children on STEAM related careers and opportunities. She has edited and co-edited educational books on the future of higher education. Some of her co-edited books include, The Future of Black Leadership in Higher Education: Firsthand Experiences and Global Impact (2022); Changing the Stigma of Mental Health Among African Americans: Moving from Denial to Acceptance (2023); Community Colleges and Workforce Preparation in the 21st Century: Emerging Research and Opportunities (2021); Preparing a STEM Workforce through Trough Career-Technical Education (2017); and Examining the Impact of Community Colleges on the Global Workforce (2015). In addition to the aforementioned co-edited books, Dr. Smith is also a published author of several children’s books. Her children’s books include The Beary STEAM-tastic Adventure; The STEAMflites Save the Day; Teele and Guba’s Exciting Escapades Through STEM; The Best STEAM Career of all Careers; Stan the Can Has No Magic: An education way to learn about the impact of alcohol use the road to recovery; Big Momma’s Treasure: Big Momma Didn’t Raise No Thug; and Domestic Violence: Smiling Faces Don’t Always Tell the Truth.
Elsa Villarreal is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M-Commerce. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Texas A&M University-College Station. Elsa’s dissertation, “Latina Principals Leading in Secondary Schools: A Phenomenological Case Study,” is the 2022 winner of the Selma Greenberg Outstanding Dissertation Award for the Research on Women and Education (RWE) Special Interest Group (SIG) of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). She earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Houston-Victoria and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Elsa’s research interests include principal preparation programs, Latina principals, and leading campuses with Emergent Bilinguals (EB).
Jose L. Parra is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Texas A&M University-Commerce. He holds an Ed.D. in Educational Administration from Columbia University-Teachers College, and both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Texas-San Antonio. In addition, he has completed administrative coursework in Educational Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He has an extensive, successful background in public education administration, having served over 10 years as superintendent of schools in both a large urban/suburban school district of 35,000 students and a mid-sized rural district of 5,000 students. During his administrative career in five different school districts, he also served as an assistant superintendent, a district director/coordinator, a principal, and an assistant principal. His research interests include Hispanic superintendent career paths and placements, the development of Hispanic leadership in higher education, organizational leadership and systemic change, college completion for disadvantaged students, and online principal and superintendent preparation programs. Parra’s work incorporates his extensive experience and knowledge into preparing future educational leaders and scholar-practitioners prepared to transform the lives of their students.
Melissa Arrambide grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas where she attended W.B. Ray High School. Her native roots are Spaniard, and Mexican. She was proudly raised in a bilingual home of English and Spanish. Dr. Arrambide lives in Rockwall, Texas with her family. She is a proud wife and mom of 2 children. Prior to entering the field of higher education, Dr. Arrambide was a successful leader in public education. Dr. Arrambide has served in various leadership roles in the K-12 Public School System including, Director of Special Services, Principal, Assistant Principal and Teacher. Dr. Arrambide has been a faculty member with Texas A & M University, Commerce since 2013. She currently holds the rank of Professor and serves as the Master’s Program Coordinator. Dr. Arrambide is well published in the area Educational Leadership. She presents at both National and State level conferences on various topics of Educational Leadership.