Anne Prisco is President of Holy Family University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Holy Family University Anne Prisco President Institution website: https://www.holyfamily.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.holyfamily.edu/about-holy-family-u/general-info/university-president Anne Prisco is President of Holy Family University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Michael Crow is President of Arizona State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Arizona State University Michael Crow President Institution website: https://www.asu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.asu.edu/the-president Michael Crow is President of Arizona State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 Arizona State University (ASU), a Hispanic serving research university with campuses across Arizona, serves over 100,000 undergraduate students with 26% identifying as Latino.

< Back to News Page Colleges and Universities Recognized for Excellence in Serving Students, Growing Talent and Advancing Success Oct 23, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE 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

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Releases Compilation of Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latinos in College Apr 13, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Higher Education Programs Across the Country Identified For Improving Latino Student Achievement In Five Areas WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announces today the release of a compilation of evidence-based programs that are at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latino, and other, students. The compilation, “ Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024 ,” emphasizes cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches to serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas: Engagement to Prepare Students and Families in College First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Excelencia’s compilation brings national attention to noteworthy efforts increasing Latino student success in higher education to inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. It builds on the organization’s 20-year history of applying a Latino lens to critical issues in postsecondary education while linking data and practice to support Latino student achievement. “ Excelencia increases awareness of programs that work for Latino students with the understanding that what serves our students ultimately serves our country,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “These data-informed and evidence-based practices tell unique stories of our students and prove what is possible. These programs also show there is no excuse for inaction to make a positive difference for students.” For nearly two decades, Excelencia has led the charge in highlighting and growing effective practices for Latino students through Examples of Excelencia . Examples is the only national data-driven effort to recognize and promote programs increasing Latino student success in higher education. Since launching Examples, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to sustain the life-changing work of those programs. “America’s future is brighter with the talents of Latinos,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “Now more than ever, Excelencia commits to bringing national attention to effective efforts advancing students’ higher education journeys to completion. By sharing information and supporting replication we build momentum for institutional transformation that accelerates Latino student success and thus grows our civic leadership and future workforce.” Excelencia releases this publication at Prepárate 2024, a national convening hosted by the College Board for those committed to advancing educational opportunity for Latino students. Together, we champion asset-based approaches that uplift the strengths of and opportunities for Latino students. Programs from the compilation are featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in effective programs for Latino students. “Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action – 2024” benefited from the support and public leadership of 24 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia : Arizona State University Austin Community College District California State University Channel Islands California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Long Beach California State University, Northridge City Colleges of Chicago, Richard J. Daley College City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College El Paso Community College Florida International University Grand Valley State University Long Beach City College Mercy University Miami Dade College San Antonio College South Texas College St. Edward’s University University at Albany, SUNY University of Illinois Chicago The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Access the full compilation: EdExcelencia.org/advancing-what-works-latino-students-2024 About Excelencia in Education In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Christopher Villa is President of Skagit Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Skagit Valley College Christopher Villa President Institution website: https://www.skagit.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.skagit.edu/office-of-the-president/ Christopher Villa is President of Skagit Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Susan Looney is President of Reading Area Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Reading Area Community College Susan Looney President Institution website: https://www.racc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.racc.edu/about-racc/presidents-biography Susan Looney is President of Reading Area Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Aims Community College Leah Bornstein President Institution website: https://www.aims.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.aims.edu/employee-directory/leah-bornstein Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

David May is President of Bellevue College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Bellevue College David May President Institution website: https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/about-us/college-leadership/president/ David May is President of Bellevue College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Kristine Strickland is Chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Fletcher Technical Community College Kristine Strickland Chancellor Institution website: https://www.fletcher.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.fletcher.edu/about-us/message-from-dr-strickland Kristine Strickland is Chancellor of Fletcher Technical Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Val Tovar serves as Evidence-Based Practices Manager of Excelencia in Education. Val oversees the annual cycle for Examples of Excelencia, supporting the public announcement of recognized programs, and collaborating on the efforts leading to Celebración de Excelencia. < Back to Our People Page Val Tovar Evidence-Based Practices Manager Excelencia in Education Email: vtovar@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As Evidence-Based Practices Manager, Val oversees the annual cycle for Examples of Excelencia , managing the submission and review process, supporting the public announcement of recognized programs, and collaborating on the efforts leading to Celebración de Excelencia . She also serves on cross-functional teams to support the planning and execution of capacity building institutes and related programming focused on evidence-based practices. Past Experiences: Val’s career has centered on advocating for students impacted by violence and providing wraparound services that support their retention and graduation. She has held roles at American University and Georgetown University, and most recently led a team at the University of Washington Bothell, offering crisis support to students affected by interpersonal violence. Throughout her career, she has led programs supporting underrepresented students and remains committed to increasing access to resources that help students succeed in college and beyond. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a former program practitioner, I understand the commitment and energy it takes to serve students and how isolating it can be when that work goes unseen. I joined Excelencia to help change that by elevating the voices of program practitioners who are using evidence-based practices that contribute to student success at their institutions. As a Latina and first-generation college graduate, I’ve experienced how transformative these programs can be. They supported me as a student, and now I’m committed to ensuring others have access to the same opportunities. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is incredibly rewarding. It’s a place where passionate people come together, all deeply committed to the mission. The culture promotes teamwork, innovation, and a clear sense of purpose, making the work as a whole feel meaningful and impactful. Excelencia is an inspiring space where colleagues and institutions come together with a shared commitment to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students.

Veronica Garcia is President of Northeast Lakeview College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Northeast Lakeview College Veronica Garcia President Institution website: https://www.alamo.edu/nlc/ Bio Page: https://www.alamo.edu/nlc/about-NLC/administration/office-of-the-president/presidents-bio Veronica Garcia is President of Northeast Lakeview College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Manager of Excelencia in Education. Guadalupe manages Excelencia's digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. < Back to Our People Page Guadalupe Acosta Digital Manager Excelencia in Education Email: gacosta@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Manager of Excelencia in Education, managing Excelencia ’s digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. Past Experiences: Guadalupe comes to Excelencia with over 4 years of digital and print marketing experience that included work in the public transportation sector bringing awareness to the many benefits of public services. Guadalupe received her B.S. in Paralegal Studies and Spanish and a minor in General Business from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation high school and university Latina graduate, I know the importance of organizations like Excelencia and the level of impact it can have on Latino student success in higher education. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am, professionally, if it wasn’t for key organizations, programs, and mentors that helped me along the way navigate the education system and overcome the constant challenges. Personally, I couldn’t think of a better service than playing a part in helping accelerate Latino student success in higher education to grow the talent for America’s future workforce and civil society. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia has been the highlight of my professional career. The level of passion and commitment for a common cause is seen everyday with everything that is done, no matter the role and how big or small the task is. I am proud to be part of a very talented team where we all work as one.