(Grand Rapids, October 20, 2022) – Davenport University announced today the addition of Carlos Sanchez as the executive director of its new Latino program, responsible for leading the university’s work within the Latino community.

Sanchez comes to Davenport from Ferris State University where he launched and developed two Latino-centered programs from conception – LEADeres and Emprende.

“Our Vision 2025 priorities strongly emphasize our commitment to better serve the Latino community,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “Carlos is the perfect candidate to help lead this work for us by building relationships across the state that will broaden opportunities and align support for the Latino community, one of the nation’s fastest-growing and most underrepresented populations in higher education.”

Latinos account for 20% of the 18-34 demographic in the United States. This segment is expected to grow up to 25% in the next five years, yet they’re the least represented in higher education. By 2050, it’s projected that Latinos under 18 years of age will be 31.9% of the total youth population; 1 in 3 women in the U.S. will be Latina. This equates to 132.8 million people or 30.2% of the total U.S. population.

“I’m proud to be able to play such a pivotal role in creating new and stronger opportunities for the Latino community,” said Sanchez. “I am a proud alum of Davenport University and I am thrilled to be able to be part of their mission to transform students’ lives by helping them earn a quality education and successful careers.”

Sanchez received a Bachelor of Arts degree, International Business, from Davenport University and a Master of Arts, Design, from Kendall College of Arts and Design.

He spent 10 years as director of Latino Business and Economic Development at Ferris, responsible for recruiting participants for both programs throughout Grand Rapids and the lakeshore (Holland, Zeeland, and Grand Haven). He also designed, launched, and managed LEADeres, the only Latino-centric leadership program in West Michigan.

In 2015, he was appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the Hispanic/Latino Commission of Michigan and Chaired the Lideramos Board, the National Association of Latino Leadership Programs.

Sanchez also served as interim executive director of the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and as executive director of the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids. While there, he launched the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation and initiated the Hispanic Chamber Gala, a black-tie fundraiser.

He’s currently a board member and D&I committee member for the Economic Club of Grand Rapids and a board member and Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Committee Chair for the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids.

About Davenport University
Founded in 1866, Davenport is a private, non-profit university serving students at campuses across Michigan and online. The university is committed to providing high academic quality, small class sizes, conveniently located campuses, faculty with real-world experience, and more than 60 dynamic undergraduate and graduate programs addressing in-demand careers in business, technology, health, and urban education. Learn more at www.davenport.edu.