Oct 23, 2025
Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org
Arizona institutions certified with prestigious Seal of Excelencia
PHOENIX – Leaders from colleges and universities across Arizona convened last week to discuss “Advancing Student Success in Higher Education in AZ: Growing Talent for our Country’s Future,” organized by Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education. The Helios Education Foundation hosted this special event.
The forum featured a dynamic panel moderated by Sarita E. Brown, co-founder and President of Excelencia in Education. Panelists included Kimberly Britt, President of Phoenix College; Marla Franco, Special Advisor for Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at the University of Arizona; and Nancy Gonzales, Provost at Arizona State University. Together, they shared how their institutions are intentionally and effectively serving Latino, and all, students, to advance academic achievement, build talent for the workforce, and strengthen communities across Arizona.
Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President at Helios Foundation reflected on the transformational role higher education plays in Arizona, emphasizing the ways institutions are connecting education to opportunities for social and economic mobility for all students. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the vitality of these institutions, how their graduates’ education and training improve their career prospects and fuels social mobility, as well as their positive impact to the local and state economy.
“Access to higher education is key to a thriving workforce and growing economy,” said Mayor Gallego. “I commend our universities, colleges, and organizations dedicated to education attainment for their tireless work to make that a reality for students. It’s a direct investment in the long-term prosperity of our state.”
As today’s students navigate evolving needs and opportunities, Arizona’s higher education institutions are demonstrating that transformation is possible when data, practice, and leadership are aligned with intentionality. All three institutions represented on the panel have earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, demonstrating their systemic use of data, evidence-based strategies and results-oriented leadership aligned for greater success for students, their families, and their communities.
Nationally, Seal of Excelencia certified institutions deliver measurable results: while representing less than 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S, they enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students nationwide, as well as enroll 7% and graduate 8% of all students. Four Arizona institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia.
Last month in Washington, DC, Excelencia in Education announced two Arizona institutions— Arizona State University and the University of Arizona — earned the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) Seal of Excelencia designation. This level of certification is for colleges and universities that achieve certification for the third time and demonstrate how they prepare students for the workforce and their long-term success.
“Students and families expect higher education to demonstrate its practical value and policy makers and investors are looking for higher education to deliver a return on investment. By earning the Seal of Excelencia certification colleges and universities demonstrate how they effectively serve Latino, and all, students. It is significant that Arizona has four institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia”” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, at the Forum. “Further, for two of the eight institutions in the entire country —to have earned certification as Intentionally Thriving Institutions coming from Arizona is good news and demonstrate great potential for the future.”
About Excelencia in Education
Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org