Contact Person: Roberto Cruz II                                     
Telephone: 408-273-2712
Email: rcruzii@nhu.edu                                                                 
August 4, 2003

For Immediate Release

The National Hispanic University Appoints New President

(San Jose, CA)--Chairman Edward Alvarez announced today the appointment of its new president, Dr. David P. Lopez, effective September 1, 2003. “The Board of Trustees is pleased that Dr. Lopez has accepted the post of President to lead the University in its mission to make higher education more accessible to Hispanics and others in the fields of business, technology and education,” stated Mr. Alvarez. “Dr. Lopez has served for twenty-five years in higher education, most of those years in the California State University System in teacher education, which is one of NHU’s largest programs,” he continued, “The Board was very pleased to select Dr. Lopez from a field of top Hispanic educators who responded to a national search for the presidency of NHU. Furthermore, his experience as a former Trustee of the University for eight years gives him an understanding, as well as, real perspective on the role of The National Hispanic University in creating educational opportunities for the Hispanic community and others.” Chairman Alvarez concluded.

Dr. Lopez completed his doctorate at New Mexico State University in May 1979 at Las Cruces, New Mexico with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction. He earned the Master of Arts at New Mexico Highlands University in August 1975 in Educational Administration and his Bachelor of Arts at the University of New Mexico in May 1974 in Elementary Education. “I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, staff, faculty and students at The National Hispanic University, as we continue the legacy established by its founder, Dr. B. Roberto Cruz, and expand the University programs and facilities to meet the growing enrollment we are experiencing. This is an exciting challenge and we have begun the transition process,” stated Dr. Lopez.

The National Hispanic University is an independent, accredited, non-profit university authorized to grant degrees since 1981.  The NHU offers degree programs in business, liberal studies, computer information systems and a credential program for elementary teachers. In addition, the University established in collaboration with the East Side Union High School District the Latino College Preparatory Academy in 2000. It is a charter high school that currently serves 300 ninth, tenth and eleventh graders who are English Language Learners. For more information, please contact Roberto Cruz II at (408) 273-2712.