Esteemed TACHE Familia, Friends, and Colegas,

Bienvenidos / Welcome to YOUR Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE). We are here to serve YOU and we look forward to doing so con intención y cariño!

Our, beautiful, professional organization is dedicated to the improvement and advancement of education and employment opportunities for Latinos/Hispanics/Chicanos in higher education. Our purpose is to provide state, regional, and local forums for the discussion of topics related to Latinxs/Hispanics/Chicanxs and to actively engage in building networks with individuals/organizations focused on securing changes in laws and policies that are detrimental to our constituencies. Moreover, because TACHE is the mecca of Latino success in Texas, we take pride in providing educational advocacy, cultural recognition and promotion, mentorship, fellowship, networking, and academic opportunities to our wonderful members.

Comprised of some of the most dedicated scholars, practitioners, advocates, and leaders, who are making important contributions to and for our Latinx/Chicanx/Hispanic comunidad in Texas (and beyond), TACHE recently hosted a reinvigorating, in-person, 47^th Annual State Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Our time together left our attendees ready to create meaningful and necessary changes in their respective institutions.

The conference theme of “Seguimos Floreciendo” was meaningful to our TACHE familia because these words perfectly describe the grit, resiliency, responsibility, collaboration, innovation, and tenacity that nuestra gente holds, which we draw upon from nuestras distinctas culturas, nuestros idiomas, nuestras tradiciones, y nuestras trayectorias. Our message remains steadfast as we will continue to flourish, contribute, expand, and lead the cultural/intellectual advocacy and innovation taking place in the State of Texas.

The TACHE State Board and I will utilize our vast lived experiences, education, and professional expertise to effectively lead the efforts most impacting our ever-changing Latinidad, while highlighting the scholarship, advocacy, and leadership in Higher Education being done by our membership.

As TACHE State President, YOU will remain the center focus of my term. I will work diligently to ensure that our selfless work and committed service continue to expand our vibrant higher education community state-wide. I will not only continue to enhance and advance the mission, vision, values, and goals of the Association, but I’ll do so in a way that honors and respects the work done by the selfless giants who came before me, while also creating greater success opportunities for those servant leaders who will soon follow after me.

Con humildad y respeto,

Dr. Florencio U. Aranda III