Xavier Cole is President of Loyola University New Orleans and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Loyola University New Orleans Xavier Cole President Institution website: https://www.loyno.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.loyno.edu/about/office-president Xavier Cole is President of Loyola University New Orleans and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< 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 Over 1,000 Colleges and Universities are Hispanic-Serving Institutions or on the Cusp of Becoming HSIs Mar 20, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE HSls Represent 20% of Colleges Yet Enroll Over 60% of All Latino Undergraduates WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 20, 2024) – Excelencia in Education has calculated lists of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) for more than 20 years because these institutions disproportionately enroll and graduate Latino students — one of the fastest growing populations in the country. Today, Excelencia announces the release of new lists and a factbook of HSls, which show 600 colleges and universities met the enrollment definition of an HSI and 412 more came close to doing so (Emerging HSIs). Combined, over 1,000 institutions are HSIs or on the cusp of becoming HSIs. The number of HSIs increased in 2022-23. HSls are defined in federal legislation as having 25% or more undergraduate Hispanic student full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment. Given this definition, the number of HSIs changes every year. “Sharing an annual list of HSIs broadly informs the field of where Hispanics are enrolling,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “ Excelencia takes this a step further by recognizing institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Hispanic students through the Seal of Excelencia .” This year, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to our mission — accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education. We believe institutions must transform to address structural limits and become learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. To focus on this, Excelencia established the Seal of Excelencia , a national certification for colleges and universities that more intentionally SERVE Latino students. Among 600 HSIs, only 37 have earned the Seal of Excelencia . Key findings from Excelencia’s HSI analysis include: HSls represent 20% of colleges yet enroll over 60% of all Latino undergraduates. Combined, HSIs enrolled 1.4 million Latino FTE undergraduate students. Almost half (46%) of students at HSIs are Latino. Almost 70% of HSls are public and 60% are four-year institutions. HSls have widening reach — they are located in 28 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Just over 40% of the nation’s HSIs (252) offered graduate programs (gHSIs). Beyond HSIs, the number of Emerging HSls (eHSls) — a categorization developed by Excelencia to track colleges approaching the 25% Latino student enrollment threshold — also grew from 401 to 412. eHSIs represented another 13% of all institutions and enrolled 15% of Latino students. Excelencia is the expert source of information conducting analysis of HSIs and has released annual lists of HSIs, eHSIs, and gHSIs since its founding to provide federal agencies, researchers, funders, and others an up-to-date, credible list of institutions that meet the enrollment criteria for HSIs. Access the 2022-23 HSI, eHSI, and gHSI lists: https://www.edexcelencia.org/research-policy/hispanic-serving-institutions-hsis 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 Amongst All 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 all, 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 amongst all served 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, and all, 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, and all, students through Examples of Excelencia . Examples is the only national data-driven effort to recognize and promote programs increasing Latino student success amongst all served 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, and all, 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, and all, 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 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

Cassy Castañón serves as a Capacity Building Manager of Excelencia in Education. Cassy supports and implements institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino students. < Back to Our People Page Cassy Castañón Capacity Building Manager Excelencia in Education Email: ccastanon@edexcelencia.org Current Position: Cassy serves as the Capacity Building Manager as part of the Institutional Capacity team and is responsible for supporting and implementing institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino students. In addition, she coordinates the case management, informational methods, and strategies to assist institutions with improving access, retention, and completion of Latino students. Past Experiences: Cassy has dedicated her professional career to ensuring students have access to the information, tools, and support to ensure their educational success. After receiving her master’s degree in Library and Information Science, she worked at Reading is Fundamental, a literacy non-profit in DC, supporting schools and programs throughout the US, Puerto Rico and Guam. She also dedicated more than 10 years supporting foster youth with educational and housing needs at United Friends of the Children. As a coordinator, she supported the organization’s goal to bring college within reach for their students by securing event locations for college access workshops and other engagements and creating and maintaining various processes. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Exclencia’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education resonates with me. As a first-generation college student and granddaughter of farm workers, I recognize the important role education has played in my life which is why I have spent most of my career giving back to education in some capacity. Excelencia allows me to continue to do that by helping to SERVE Latino students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is an amazing experience. I have exceptional coworkers who are dedicated to transforming higher education. Excelencia approaches everything with integrity and passion and allows me to continue to grow professionally.

This publication synthesizes national data and perspectives of Latino students on how they and their families view college affordability and opportunity. < Back Voces: A Profile of Today's Latino College Students Deborah A. Santiago November 2007 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This publication provides a synthesis of national data and the perspectives of Latino students amongst all, speaking in their own voices about how they and their families view college affordability and opportunity. This brief is part of Excelencia's Higher Education's Capacity and Affordability for Latino Students project supported by Lumina and offers policy makers and institutional leaders new information to better serve this generation of Latino college goers. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

John M. Fuchko III is President of Dalton State College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Dalton State College John M. Fuchko III President Institution website: https://www.daltonstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.daltonstate.edu/news/john-fuchko-iii-invested-as-sixth-president-of-dalton-state-college/ John M. Fuchko III is President of Dalton State College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2025-2028 Dalton State College (Dalton), located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in northwest Georgia, became the state’s first federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution in 2018. Dalton serves over 5,100 students, with more than one third identifying as Hispanic.

Ronald Rochon is President of California State University-Fullerton and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Fullerton Ronald Rochon President Institution website: https://www.fullerton.edu/ Bio Page: http://president.fullerton.edu/ Ronald Rochon is President of California State University-Fullerton and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, Fullerton (CSUF or Cal State Fullerton) enrolls more than 39,000 students, of which 54% are Latino—an increase of 40% since 2016. The university prioritizes access to higher education, student success, service to the local region, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. CSUF was the No. 2 destination among California public institutions for community college transfer students in 2022-2023.

Elizabeth Davis serves as the Director of Finance of Excelencia in Education. Elizabeth reinforces and strengthens the financial infrastructure of Excelencia. < Back to Our People Page Elizabeth Davis Director of Finance Excelencia in Education Email: edavis@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Director of Finance, Elizabeth plays a critical role in reinforcing and strengthening the financial infrastructure for Excelencia in Education. Elizabeth is responsible for timely and accurate financial reporting and analysis for Excelencia’s budget and provides critical inputs to strategic and business planning. Past Experiences: Prior to Excelencia , Elizabeth worked in higher education holding various roles, most recently ensuring divisional financial targets were met and strategic planning supported. Additionally, Elizabeth has experience working with non-profit organizations focused on higher education success. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Excelencia in Education’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement drives me to support the organization. To be able to work for an organization that is committed to education and student advancement as much as Excelencia , brings me great joy and satisfaction. I enjoy being part of this organization and contributing to its growth and achievements - which ultimately benefits students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? At Excelencia we work in a mission driven and extensively collaborative environment with a focus on meaningful impact on higher education.

Loren J. Blanchard is President of California State University-Long Beach and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Long Beach Loren J. Blanchard President Institution website: https://www.csulb.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csulb.edu/office-of-the-president/page/loren-j-blanchard Loren J. Blanchard is President of California State University-Long Beach and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 California State University (CSU) Long Beach serves the counties of Los Angeles and Orange, enrolling 39,435 students. Of these 50% are Latinx and 49% are Pell Grant eligible and/or have first-generation low-income backgrounds. CSU Long Beach focuses on engaging students, expanding access, promoting intellectual achievement, building community, and cultivating resilience and has made great strides toward closing retention and graduation gaps.

This publication is an environmental scan of colleges and universities in Puerto Rico to understand their resilience and efforts to serve Latino, and all, students. < Back Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience Excelencia in Education May 2021 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excelencia in Education conducted an environmental scan of Puerto Rico to better understand the community and context of higher education, as colleges and universities transform to better serve Latino, and all, students. This environmental scan identifies and includes a profile of the community overall, the socio-economic profile and educational pipeline, and the condition of institutions of higher education over the past several years. The context of colleges and universities to enroll, retain, and graduate Latino, and all, students can help to understand institutional resiliency during times of crises. This can help inform efforts to support institutions and students on the island, as well as other institutions on the U.S. mainland so they can better serve their Latino and all students during times of economic, political, and natural challenges. This publication is the first of a two-part study on transformation by colleges and universities to better serve their Latino, and all, students in Puerto Rico and will be in partnership with the Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities ( La Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades ). This publication was developed with the support of Ascendium Education Group. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico View the infographic on Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience Webinar - Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience - A Conversation with Puerto Rican Leaders After a challenging five years, what is the condition of higher education in Puerto Rico and what can institutions on the mainland learn as they address similar challenges? Presented in cooperation with Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades. Moderator : Deborah Santiago , Co-Founder & CEO Excelencia in Education Speakers : Margarita Benítez , Executive Director, Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities ( Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades) Hilda Colón Plumey , Educational Consultant José Caraballo-Cueto , Associate Professor University of Puerto Rico at Cayey Click Below to download the webinar slides (PDF). SLIDES-Webinar-Higher-Education-Puerto-Rico .pdf Download PDF • 1.70MB Click Below t o download the Net Migration: Puerto Rico 2011-2020 (PDF in Spanish only). *Provided by José Caraballo-Cueto Net-Migration-PR-2011-2020 .pdf Download PDF • 253KB Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Valerio Ferme is President of New Mexico State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page New Mexico State University Valerio Ferme President Institution website: https://nmsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.nmsu.edu/ Valerio Ferme is President of New Mexico State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.