Laura Skandera Trombley is President of Southwestern University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Southwestern University Laura Skandera Trombley President Institution website: https://www.southwestern.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.southwestern.edu/about-southwestern/president-trombley/ Laura Skandera Trombley is President of Southwestern University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

James Hurley is President of Tarleton State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Tarleton State University James Hurley President Institution website: https://www.tarleton.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.tarleton.edu/president/about-dr-hurley-2/ James Hurley is President of Tarleton State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Wisconsin. Latino College Completion - Wisconsin Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 24% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 46% Of White adults Fast Facts Wisconsin had the 25th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 13% K-12 Population 7% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 31% Latino Students 47% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 44 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 55% Latino Students 67% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 16%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Wisconsin. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Wisconsin. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Wisconsin, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Public, 4-year or above 18,322 2,532 14% 2 University of Wisconsin-Madison Public, 4-year or above 33,506 2,266 7% 3 Milwaukee Area Technical College Public, 2-year 11,010 2,057 19% 4 Marquette University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 7,466 1,162 16% 5 Madison Area Technical College Public, 4-year or above 8,536 1,120 13% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Wisconsin, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Milwaukee Area Technical College Public, 2-year 1,239 191 15% 2 Gateway Technical College Public, 2-year 719 144 20% 3 Madison Area Technical College Public, 4-year or above 1,445 114 8% 4 Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Public, 2-year 937 66 7% 5 Fox Valley Technical College Public, 2-year 912 40 4% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Wisconsin, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Wisconsin-Madison Public, 4-year or above 7,743 417 5% 2 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Public, 4-year or above 3,711 404 11% 3 Marquette University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 1,905 257 13% 4 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Public, 4-year or above 2,145 141 7% 5 University of Wisconsin-Parkside Public, 4-year or above 652 126 19% Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Hubert Benitez is President of Saint Peter's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Saint Peter's University Hubert Benitez President Institution website: https://www.saintpeters.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.saintpeters.edu/president/presidents-biography/ Hubert Benitez is President of Saint Peter's University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Provides Roadmap for Higher Education Institutions and Employers to Advance Latino Talent and Meet U.S. Workforce Needs Feb 28, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE New Analysis Identifies Top 25 Colleges and Universities Conferring Credentials to Latinos and Preparing Them for Today’s Global Economy WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 28, 2024) – A new brief from Excelencia in Education calls on employers to meet U.S. workforce needs through strategic partnerships with colleges and universities that demonstrably increase the number of Latino college graduates and more intentionally prepare Latino talent for today’s global economy. The brief, “ Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy ,” shows Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66% of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91% of new workers — the largest number of any group — and one in five workers overall by 2031. However, Latinos are the most likely to be employed in manual labor occupations and earn the lowest salary compared to other groups. Only 33% of Latinos in the labor force in 2021 had earned an associate degree or higher, compared to 69% of Asians, 55% of Whites, and 45% of African Americans. Against this backdrop, “Finding Your Workforce” identifies the top 25 institutions where Latinos earned credentials across academic levels in 2019-20. This analysis identifies the colleges and universities producing nationally significant numbers of Latino graduates overall, as well as in key disciplines relevant to today’s job market. This specific information provides opportunities for employers to engage college-educated Latino talent and learn from practices effectively linking these graduates to the workforce. They include 104 unique institutions across 14 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This group represents 3% of the nation’s colleges and universities but graduated almost 25% of Latinos in 2019-20. “The future is built on the talent in our workforce. Ignorance is no excuse for inaction. This report provides clear information on where Latinos are earning degrees and the strategies institutions implement to intentionally serve their students to prepare for civic leadership and the workforce,” said Deborah Santiago, Co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “Our new analysis empowers institutions and employers to align their efforts to proactively engage and recruit Latino graduates where they are.” For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. This series represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. The majority (83%) of top institutions conferring credentials to Latino students at the certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and first professional levels are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) across seven states and Puerto Rico. In addition, 21 have earned the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for institutions that go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. The top institutions awarding credentials at each level are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate) Miami Dade College in Florida (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional and Doctorate) The brief goes on to highlight replicable strategies to increase Latino degree attainment and career success from the top institutions awarding postsecondary credentials to Latinos. It also calls on employers to establish common cause with institutions by aligning their goals to serve diverse communities with effective recruitment practices. Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school , including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. "Florida International University recognizes students and their families invest in a college education to prepare for a lifetime,” said Elizabeth Béjar, Provost, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Florida International University. “We are proud that Excelencia’s analysis underscores FIU's positive impact on Hispanic/Latino students as we serve as their launchpad into today’s global economy and their future success." Excelencia brings the “Finding Your Workforce” series to the public with support from Bank of America, a national leader demonstrating its belief in the promise of Latino students to ensure America’s bright future. “Bank of America has a long history of promoting pathways to economic mobility and connecting individuals and communities to income creation and wealth building opportunities. Our support of Excelencia in Education is another demonstration of that longstanding commitment,” said Meghan Hughes, Bank of America Head of Workforce Development, Arts & Heritage. “Through this partnership and their revelatory studies, we will continue to help strengthen the capabilities of minority-serving institutions and work alongside other employers to create scalable and equitable strategies that bring meaningful change to the lives of Hispanic-Latino families for years to come.” This brief initiates a series that will provide lists of the top institutions graduating Latinos in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), health, and education, accompanied by examples of institutional efforts to improve Latinos’ college completion linked to these sectors. Excelencia in Education will also host a national webinar on March 6 to discuss the analysis and the potential for higher education, business, and philanthropy to engage Latino talent. Please learn more and register: bit.ly/FindingYourWorkforceLatinoTalent About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while 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 About Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

José D. Padilla is President of the Valparaiso University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Valparaiso University José D. Padilla President Institution website: https://www.valpo.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.valpo.edu/president/president-jose-padilla/ José D. Padilla is President of the Valparaiso University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Berenecea Johnson Eanes is President of California State University-Los Angeles and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Los Angeles Berenecea Johnson Eanes President Institution website: https://www.calstatela.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.calstatela.edu/president/berenecea-johnson-eanes Berenecea Johnson Eanes is President of California State University-Los Angeles and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University (CSU) Los Angeles, a Hispanic Serving Institution in East Los Angeles, serves approximately 27,000 students, 75% of whom are Latino, 55% first-generation college students, and 64% Pell Grant recipients. CSU Los Angeles is committed to the success of their Latino students and other students who have historically been underserved. Using data-informed and intentional strategies, CSU Los Angeles has closed the 4-year and 6-year graduation gap between Latino and other students.

Margaret M. McMenamin is President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ Margaret M. McMenamin President Institution website: https://www.ucc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ucc.edu/discover-union/presidents-biography/ Margaret M. McMenamin is President of UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Russell Lowery-Hart is Chancellor of Austin Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Austin Community College District Russell Lowery-Hart Chancellor Institution website: https://www.austincc.edu/ Bio Page: https://offices.austincc.edu/chancellor/biography/ R ussell Lowery-Hart is Chancellor of Austin Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 Austin Community College District (ACC) is a public two-year college serving the Austin, Texas region. ACC is one of the largest HSIs in the country and serving the fastest-growing demographic in the Central Texas region, where education is a key lever for economic and social mobility.

Janine Davidson is President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Metropolitan State University of Denver Janine Davidson President Institution website: https://www.msudenver.edu/ Bio Page: https://msudenver.edu/president/biography/ Janine Davidson is President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a public comprehensive university offering a relevant, rigorous and innovative education in the heart of downtown Denver. The university serves 17,000 students of all ages and backgrounds with more than 90 majors and 10 graduate programs. MSU Denver, the most diverse institution in the state, serves 15,682 undergraduates, of which 95% are from Colorado and 54% are students of color, including 36% Latinx.

< Back to News Page Excelencia in Education Announces the 2025 Examples of Excelencia Sep 29, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Four Programs Earn National Recognition for Increasing Access to a Quality College Education WASHINGTON – Excelencia in Education announced today the 2025 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing four programs as national exemplars of evidence-based practices that improve student success in higher education. These programs demonstrate how student-centered approaches can expand opportunity, increase positive outcomes, and create effective pathways to economic mobility. Through Examples of Excelencia — the only national, data-driven effort to recognize programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success amongst all served — Excelencia has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions over the past 20 years, recognized more than 400 for their proven impact, and raised and awarded over $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. As the fastest-growing segment of the college-going population, Latino students embody a post-traditional experience, navigating multiple pathways through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. Ensuring their success advances higher education in ways that benefit all students. Programs such as those recognized in Examples are core to the institutional transformation that is needed to ensure colleges, universities, and communities are places where Latino and other post-traditional students can thrive. The 2025 Examples of Excelencia exemplify practices that build faculty pipelines, provide holistic supports that help students earn degrees and credentials, connect classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offer research and mentorship experiences that foster persistence, completion, and career success. Together, these programs demonstrate the power of intentional design in facilitating access to excellence for all students. Spanning associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based levels, and reaching students in multiple regions, the 2025 Examples are proof of the good work and good people around the country committed to strengthening America’s workforce and civic leadership. The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are: General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) – Cerritos College, CA (Associate Level) ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program – California State University, Long Beach, CA (Baccalaureate Level) Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative – University of Illinois Chicago, IL (Graduate Level) Avanza RGV – Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), TX (Community-Based Organization Level) “When institutions are intentional about serving Latino students, they create conditions that strengthen opportunities for success for all students,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are part of a growing network of common cause, increasing student success and modeling what works so others can learn from, replicate, and scale similar efforts.” The 2025 Examples of Excelencia will be announced in the afternoon of September 29 at Celebración de Excelencia , offered in cooperation with the Hispanic Congressional Caucus. This event is part of Excelencia’s annual, invitational Fall Convening, which brings together leaders from higher education institutions, philanthropy, policy, and business committed to promoting excellence and growing talent to ensure America’s future. Learn more about the 2025 Examples of Excelencia: EdExcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia 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

Noé Ortiz serves as Senior Manager, Program Operations of Excelencia in Education. Noé supports program efforts by coordinating the use of tools implemented by Excelencia’s program teams. < Back to Our People Page Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Excelencia in Education Email: nortiz@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As the Senior Manager, Program Operations, Noé supports program efforts by coordinating the use of tools implemented by Excelencia’s program teams. He is responsible for the development and maintenance of reference manuals and training materials for users. Noé supports the management of user issues, vendor outreach, and data management for the software that supports program efforts. Past Experiences: Noé has over 25 years of experience in the field of financial aid and college preparation spanning every segment of higher education (four-year private/public institutions as well as community colleges) and educational consulting. Prior to joining Excelencia , his focus was on process improvement of higher education systems to ensure they work for students. As an advocate for access to higher education for low-income, underrepresented students, his passion was to demystify the college enrollment process through outreach efforts and by partnering with schools and community organizations. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I am a firm believer that education changes lives and future generations. I also believe that there are more talented students waiting to be discovered and nurtured, particularly in the Latino community, than are readily recognized by institutions. Many have been ready to do the work to serve these students. Excelencia is the change agent that is tapping into this energy to transform institutions to do this work. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I love working at Excelencia because no matter how different our individual responsibilities may be, we are a team of highly talented and motivated individuals working towards one same common cause, to accelerate Latino student success. To a person, this is what drives us. It is refreshing to work for an organization where you don’t have to worry about convincing colleagues to support your efforts.