Alex Hernandez to help shape national efforts to strengthen higher education and advance high school transformation.
STANFORD, Calif. — The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching (Carnegie) announced today that Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College, has joined its Board of Trustees. An educational leader and champion of career-focused learning, Hernandez brings decades of experience in K12, higher education innovation and workforce development.
“Alex understands that the future of education is not just about access, but alignment – of student aspirations, workforce demands, and opportunity,” said Diane Tavenner, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “His leadership exemplifies Carnegie’s commitment to a K12 and postsecondary sector that delivers quality and opportunity for all.”
Hernandez, the son of public educators, has long believed in the power of education to expand opportunity. At Champlain College, he has led efforts to ensure the institution serves as an economic engine for Vermont by focusing on career-aligned programs that prepare students for long-term success. Under his leadership, more than 80% of Champlain graduates are employed in roles related to their field of study.
“At a moment when higher education must evolve to meet the demands of today’s learners and tomorrow’s economy, Alex brings the kind of bold, pragmatic leadership we need,” said Timothy F.C. Knowles, President of the Carnegie Foundation. “His work exemplifies the type of transformation the Carnegie Foundation seeks to accelerate.”
Prior to joining Champlain College, Hernandez served as Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and Vice Provost of Online Learning at the University of Virginia, where he pioneered programs that blended digital and human skills to meet evolving workforce needs and launched SCPS’s first Master’s degree. He previously led the Innovative Schools practice at the Charter School Growth Fund, one of the largest national efforts advancing personalized and career-ready learning in K12.
Hernandez began his career as a high school math teacher in South Los Angeles and held leadership roles at Portland Public Schools and Aspire Public Schools. He also brings private sector experience, having worked with Steamboat Ventures, Disney’s venture capital arm, and at J.P. Morgan.
“It’s a tremendous honor to join Carnegie’s board at such a pivotal moment for higher education,” said Hernandez. “We know that education remains the most powerful pathway to opportunity, but only when it’s designed to help students launch meaningful careers and build fulfilling lives. That’s the transformation Carnegie seeks to accelerate and I look forward to helping bring that vision to life.”
