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.

Lynn Mahoney is President of San Francisco State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page San Francisco State University Lynn Mahoney President Institution website: https://www.sfsu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.sfsu.edu/biography Lynn Mahoney is President of San Francisco State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 San Francisco State University (SFSU) is a comprehensive, public, urban university serving six Bay Area Counties (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara). SUSU draws just over 60% of its students from these counties. As of fall 2023, Latino students represented 37% of SFSU’s student body. The SFSU student body has become increasingly more diverse, and the university has earned Asian American, Native American, and Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) designation in 2012 and Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation in 2016.

< Back to News Page Trendsetting Institutions Earn the Seal of Excelencia for Going Beyond Enrollment to Intentionally Serve Latino, and All, Students Oct 1, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Certifies 17 Colleges and Universities That Detail Efforts to Become Learning Environments Where Latino, and all, Students Thrive WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 1, 2024) – Excelencia in Education announced today 17 colleges and universities have earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia in 2024. The Seal is a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment and more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. This year marks the organization’s 20th year of service to accelerate Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education. In 2018, Excelencia introduced the Seal of Excelencia to certify trendsetting colleges and universities for their efforts to become learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive. The Seal of Excelencia framework represents a rigorous assessment of certified institutions’ intentionality and impact in improving outcomes such as retention, financial support, and degree completion for Latino students by aligning efforts across data, practice, and leadership. Seal certification remains valid for three years, after which institutions have the opportunity to recertify progress. Higher education, business, philanthropy, and government leaders in Excelencia’s community of common cause convened in Washington, D.C., for the announcement of eight institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia for the first time and nine that earned recertification. It was part of the organization’s National Policy Forum, focused on advancing policies to accelerate Latinos’ degree attainment while all groups increase and strengthen our country’s civic leadership and workforce. These 17 Seal-certified institutions exemplify the kinds of programs and practices that inform good policy. “The colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia lead the charge in meeting our nation’s degree attainment goals,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education. “They demonstrate commitment to Latino student success through impact and ongoing self-assessment.” This year’s cohort of newly certified and recertified institutions belongs to a community of 46 colleges and universities that have earned the Seal. Together, they represent less than 1% of all institutions but enroll 17% and graduate 19% of all Latino students nationwide. The eight newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State University, East Bay (CA) California State University, San Bernardino (CA) California State University San Marcos (CA) Cerritos College (CA) Hartnell College (CA) Pima Community College (AZ) San Francisco State University (CA) Sul Ross State University (TX) The nine recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: California State University, Fresno (CA) California State University, Fullerton (CA) Miami Dade College (FL) San Diego State University (CA) The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (TX) University of California, Merced (CA) University of California, Riverside (CA) University of Central Florida (FL) Wilbur Wright College (IL) “Today, we’re moving toward opportunity and success for more of our Latino students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, “That’s thanks to the leadership and staff at Excelencia in Education. For twenty years, you’ve shown that when we do the hard work, when we’re relentless in our care for the seed of an idea, we can and will grow success for Latino students in higher education. Congratulations to all of the honorees – I really cannot wait to see where we’ll go together next.” Institutions in Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network have committed to becoming learning environments where Latino, and all, students thrive, and are eligible to apply for the Seal. To earn the Seal of Excelencia , they must demonstrate: An intentional, institutional focus on advancing Latino student success by aligning data and practice; Deliberate and ongoing assessment to identify and implement strategies that improve Latino student achievement; Leadership commitment to continue transforming into an environment where Latino students thrive; and, A long-term and unwavering commitment to intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. “Students and families as well as leaders in philanthropy, business, and government look to colleges and universities that earned the Seal of Excelencia when making their institutional choices,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education. “ Excelencia is proud to partner with institutions ensuring America’s bright future by advancing the talents of the Latino community.” Learn more about the institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia certification and recertification this year: EdExcelencia.org/seal-excelencia/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions 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

This compilation includes 53 fact sheets covering Excelencia’s latest analysis on Latinos' higher education enrollment and degree attainment across the U.S. < Back Latino College Completion: United States 2026 Compilation Excelencia in Education July 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population and are projected to represent 91 percent of new U.S. workers by 2031. Yet today, only 29 percent of Latino adults hold an associate degree or higher — compared to 49 percent of White adults and 45 percent of all adults. Closing these degree attainment gaps is not about lowering standards. Aligned with Excelencia ’s mission, it is about accelerating Latino degree completion while increasing completion for all students — ensuring that post-traditional students have the support necessary to succeed. Accelerating Latino college completion, while all increase, is an imperative for the United States to meet future workforce demands and maintain its global competitiveness. This compilation includes 53 interactive fact sheets covering Excelencia in Education’s latest analysis on Latino enrollment and degree attainment across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the United States. Latino College Completion 2026 Interactive Map Interact with the data from Excelencia's analysis across the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. LEARN MORE Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Latino College Completion: United States 2026 Compilation. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Our People From Washington, D.C., to Texas, to California, Excelencia in Education’s team collaborates with leaders in higher education, philanthropy, business, and government to ensure Latino, and all, students are served with intentionality and impact. Click on the tabs below to explore. Excelencia Leadership Excelencia Staff Board of Directors Sarita E. Brown President Excelencia in Education Deborah A. Santiago Chief Executive Officer Excelencia in Education Guadalupe Acosta Digital Communications Manager Elizabeth Davis Director of Finance Jennifer Gomez-Chavez Senior Strategist Emily Labandera Director of Research Cindy Mendiola-Perez Senior Advisor of Institutional Transformation Adriana Rodriguez Chief Operating Officer Iris Yan Research Analyst Jessica Marie Arguello Network Activation Manager JP Deering Director of Communications Karla Hernandez DeCuir Senior Director of Network Activation Jessica Leach Grants Manager Noé Ortiz Senior Manager, Program Operations Josué Romualdo Capacity Building Manager Melva Yanes Finance Manager Cassy Castañón Capacity Building Manager Dorian Díaz Director of Data & Knowledge Management Honee Herrera Gil Assessment & Recognition Manager Dianey Leal Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships Alexis Padilla-Torres Strategic Initiatives Manager Iris E. Sanchez Director of Capacity Building Matt Cuozzo Interim Chief Program & Innovation Officer Olivia Glad Capacity Building Manager Anna Israel Development Coordinator Madelyn Lucas Policy Analyst Eyra Pérez Senior Strategist Val Tovar Assessment & Recognition Manager Massey Villarreal Chair Chief Executive Officer & President Precision Task Group, Inc. Sarita E. Brown Board Member President Excelencia in Education Havidán Rodríguez Board Member President University at Albany - State University of New York Elizabeth Béjar Vice Chair Provost, Executive Vice President, and COO Florida International University Andrés Henríquez Board Member Director of STEM Education Strategy, US Division Education Development Center, Inc. Cynthia Teniente-Matson Board Member President San José State University Carlos E. Santiago Past Chair Commissioner Emeritus Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Verónica Herrero Board Member Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. Secretary/Treasurer Former Chief Advocacy Officer Ascension Texas Jane Oates Board Member Senior Policy Advisor WorkingNation Employment Opportunities Join Excelencia’s Team Excelencia in Education’s team is expanding to serve our mission of accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success, to close postsecondary attainment gaps and advance our families, communities, and nation. Find current opportunities to join our team below. Current Opportunities This page will be updated as opportunities become available.

Excelencia’s affordability recommendations compel policymakers to expand access to excellence by reducing financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without unmanageable debt. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: College Affordability Excelencia in Education September 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Policy solutions and institutional practices must reduce prices and other financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without incurring unmanageable debt. We prioritize: Increasing Transparent Financial Literacy: Expanding efforts by states, institutions, and other key actors to provide resources and tools so that students and families fully understand the real costs of college and the financial resources available to them. Fostering Low-Debt Education: Advocating for policies that prioritize need-based grants over loans and include basic needs—such as childcare, food, transportation and housing—within the true cost of attendance. Lowering the Price of Education: Supporting and incentivizing institutions to lower prices and contain costs to students while investing in academic excellence. How can policy help Latino, and all, students afford a degree? Incentivize FAFSA completion to increase access to financial aid. Reduce unmet financial need to pay for college by including basic needs in financial aid calculations. Strengthen the Pell Grant and make it a fully mandatory program. Revise the Federal Work-Study distribution formula to more strategically support students with high financial need, reduce administrative burdens to program participation, and increase funding for the program. Featured Publications How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts RADD Consortium for the Reform The Impact of Financial Aid Student Aversion to Borrow Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Vince Rodriguez is President of Coastline College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Coastline College Vince Rodriguez President Institution website: https://www.coastline.edu/index.php Bio Page: https://www.coastline.edu/about/administration/college-leadership/college-president.php Vince Rodriguez is President of Coastline College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia partnered with the Strada Education Network and Gallup to examine the role of Hispanic-Serving Institutions, which enroll 65% of Latino college students. < Back Examining Life Outcomes Among Graduates of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) Excelencia in Education; Gallup September 2018 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Press Release - Survey SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino graduates of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) with inclusive environments, strong support systems, and career services are more likely than the general college-education population to have fulfilling professional, personal, and social lives. Excelencia in Education partnered with the Strada Education Network and Gallup to examine the role of HSIs since they enroll 65% of all Latino college students. Results from the study are based on 12 HSIs from our Excelencia in Action network. 65% of Latino undergraduate students attend Hispanic-Serving Institutions Areas of Focus Whether graduates know their alma mater is classified as an HSI and their perceptions of whether their campus environment was a good place for various groups of people If graduates engaged in various college experiences The extent to which graduates utilized university resources and whether they felt prepared for life outside college How graduates fare in career and workplace outcomes Whether graduates are thriving in their well-being Participating Institutions The data in the report are based upon interviews with 14,320 college graduates who received their bachelor’s degree from one of 12 HSIs between 2000 and 2017. Excelencia in Education has working relationships with leaders at the participating institutions. The institutions use evidence-based programs and resources to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success and are part of the Excelencia in Action network (E-Action). California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Sacramento Dominican University Felician University Lehman College, CUNY Northeastern Illinois University Nova Southeastern University Queens College, CUNY St. Edward’s University Texas Woman’s University University of La Verne Examining Life Outcomes Among Graduates of Hispanic-Serving Institutions Excelencia in Education & Gallup http://www.EdExcelencia.org Findings Excelencia network graduates believe their alma mater is creating an inclusive environment for the success of all students. Latino graduates are more likely than non-Latino graduates (91% vs. 79%, respectively) to say their alma mater was a good place for students of racial and ethnic minorities. Excelencia network graduates indicate they had strong support systems at college. Over one-third of Excelencia network graduates (36%) strongly agree that their professors cared about them as a person – higher than college graduates nationally (32%) and other HIS graduates (28%). There are areas of opportunity that could further support graduates in finding jobs and learning skills that carry over into the workplace. Among the 59% Excelencia network graduates who visited career services at least once, nearly half say their career services office was helpful or very helpful – higher than both comparison groups. Twenty-seven percent of Excelencia network graduates strongly agree that they were prepared well for life outside of college. Thirty-one percent of Excelencia network graduates strongly agree that their alma mater provided them with the knowledge and skills they needed to be successful in the workplace. Excelencia network graduates are more likely than college graduates nationally to be fulfilled in their work and to have higher levels of well-being. Excelencia network graduates are more likely than college graduates nationally to strongly agree that they have the ideal job for them (25% vs. 22% respectively) and that their job gives them the opportunity to do work that interests them (41% vs. 37%). Examining Life Outcomes Among Graduates of Hispanic-Serving Institutions Excelencia in Education & Gallup http://www.EdExcelencia.org Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of their Latino students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. Programs to Watch During the annual Examples of Excelencia review, Excelencia recognizes innovative, up-and-coming programs that have already made a positive impact on the success of Latino, and all, students and are growing evidence of effectiveness as Programs to Watch. By bringing attention to these programs, we encourage institutions, practitioners, funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to keep an eye out as they continue to grow. 2026 This year, Excelencia recognizes innovative Programs to Watch from colleges, universities, and organizations across the country for their growing impact on Latino, and all, student success. These programs demonstrate evidence-based approaches that expand educational opportunity and improve Latino, and all, student outcomes in the areas of Career & Workforce, Student Support, Teaching & Learning, and AI Innovation. These Programs to Watch advance Latino, and all, student success through culturally responsive practices, workforce preparation, academic and transfer pathways, family and community engagement, faculty and institutional development, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Through intentional, evidence-based practices, these programs demonstrate a commitment to improving outcomes for Latino, and all, students while continuing to strengthen their data collection and evaluation efforts to further demonstrate their impact. Excelencia invites you to explore the 2026 Programs to Watch and discover how these innovative initiatives are helping institutions better serve Latino students while creating stronger outcomes for all learners. Learn about the 2026 Examples of Excelencia Finalists and their efforts to increase student success. CAREER & WORKFORCE: Advanced Manufacturing | Austin Community College District (TX) Institution/Organization: Austin Community College District Location: Austin, TX Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus : Adult Learners, Other, Workforce Training Year Started: 2022 Website: https://dmcat.austincc.edu/advanced-manufacturing/ Overview: The Advanced Manufacturing program expands educational access by providing flexible pathways for working adults to earn industry-recognized credentials and prepare for high-demand careers. Committed to serving students from all backgrounds, with a strong focus on the growing Latino community, the program equips graduates with the skills needed for successful employment while strengthening the local workforce and supporting regional economic growth. TEACHING & LEARNING: Family and Education, the Future of a Nation | AVE Frontera (TX) Institution/Organization: AVE Frontera Location: Weslaco, TX Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus : Faculty Development, Family Engagement Year Started: 2022 Website: https://www.avefrontera.org/ Overview: The Family-Centered STEM Education Program transforms undergraduate STEM learning by engaging families as active partners in student success. Through community engagement, authentic dialogue, and culturally responsive practices, the program strengthens student belonging, retention, and academic achievement, particularly among Latino, first-generation, and low-income students. By preparing faculty, expanding family engagement, and creating inclusive learning environments, the program supports student success, workforce readiness, and stronger connections between families, higher education, and the community. STUDENT SUPPORT: Dual Degree Program | Governors State University (IL) Institution/Organization: Governors State University Location: University Park, IL Area of Impact: Transfer Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship Year Started: 2011 Website: https://www.govst.edu/ddp/ Overview: The Dual Degree Program (DDP) creates a seamless pathway for transfer students from Illinois community colleges by providing academic, financial, and personal support from the associate degree through bachelor's degree completion. With a focus on first-generation, Pell-eligible, and underserved students, including the growing Latino community, the program helps students stay on track, minimize debt, and achieve their educational goals through proactive advising, clear degree pathways, and financial support. Hispanic Student College Institute | Montclair State University (NJ) Institution/Organization: Montclair State University Location: Montclair, NJ Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Mentoring Year Started: 2007 Website: https://www.montclair.edu/hispanic-initiatives/hispanic-student-college-institute-hsci/ Overview: The Hispanic Student College Institute (HSCI) prepares high-achieving, historically underserved students, especially those from Latino communities, for college success through academic, cultural, and family-centered support. By promoting college readiness, increasing access to higher education, and providing mentorship and guidance, HSCI empowers students to navigate the college journey with confidence while fostering long-term academic success and family engagement. AI INNOVATION: Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation | Long Beach City College (CA) Institution/Organization: Long Beach City College Location: Long Beach, CA Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Workforce/Discipline Year Started: 2025 Overview: Long Beach City College's Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation program prepares Latino and all students to thrive in an AI-driven economy. Through accessible, workforce-aligned courses and hands-on learning, students build technical and ethical AI competencies while exploring real-world applications of emerging technologies. As one of California's first community college AI programs, it expands access to AI education, supports career readiness, and creates pathways to continued learning through the proposed Associate in Science in Artificial Intelligence for Digital Transformation. Inclusive AI Framework for Instructional and Service Program Review and Planning | Coastline College (CA) Institution/Organization: Coastline College Location: Fountain Valley, CA Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Faculty Development, Institutional Effectiveness and Equity-Minded Planning Year Started: 2023 Overview: The Inclusive AI Framework empowers faculty, classified professionals, and managers to use institutional data in more meaningful, accessible, and actionable ways. By combining artificial intelligence with an equity-focused, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) lens, the framework supports evidence-informed decision-making, identifies opportunity gaps, and strengthens program review and planning. Designed to promote reflection and continuous improvement, it helps advance culturally responsive strategies that improve outcomes for Latino and all students. Miami Dade College AI Clinics | Miami Dade College(FL) Institution/Organization: Miami Dade College Location: Miami, FL Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: Adult Learners & Faculty Development Year Started : 2022 Website : https://ce.mdc.edu/contentManagement.do?method=load&code=CM000075 Overview: The Miami Dade College AI Clinics provide accessible, hands-on AI training for working professionals and small business owners, with a focus on expanding opportunities for Latino learners and other underserved communities. As the nation's first Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Regional Hub for AI education, MDC equips participants with practical AI skills that enhance productivity, support business innovation, and strengthen workforce readiness. Through short-term, applied learning and industry-recognized credential pathways, the clinics help participants build the knowledge and confidence to succeed in the AI-driven economy.

Excellence in teaching supports the realities of Latino, and all, students today and can directly impact persistence, graduation, and post-completion outcomes. < Back Latinos in Teaching and Learning Excelencia in Education March 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Excellence in teaching directly impacts persistence, graduation, and post-completion outcomes for the post-traditional majority of students. Latinos represent a majority of these students–often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities as they persist along their educational pathway. Investing in evidence-based teaching techniques, inclusive learning environments, and structured academic support prepares students with the skills and knowledge to succeed and compete in the workforce. This fact sheet presents Excelencia's insights on ways institutions can leverage teaching and learning strategies to advance academic success for Latino, and all, students. Institutional leaders, deans, department chairs, and faculty play a key role in developing inclusive, data-informed teaching and learning strategies by: Promoting student-centered professional development through centers for teaching and learning (CTLs) Supporting culturally responsive strategies through incentives for instructional and curricular redesign Using data to continuously improve teaching and learning Institutions are implementing intentional teaching and learning practices that advance academic excellence for Latino and other post-traditional students. The following are key examples: University of California, Berkeley - The Puente Project Indiana University Northwest - Pedagogical Interest Groups (PIGS) Georgia State University - Latinx Student Services and Outreach (LASSO) Suggested Citation: Excelencia in Education. (2026). Latinos in Teaching and Learning . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Thomas Keegan is President of Skagit Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Skagit Valley College Thomas Keegan President Institution website: https://www.skagit.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.skagit.edu/leadership/biography.html Thomas Keegan is President of Skagit Valley College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

** is President of St. Edward's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page St. Edward's University ** President Institution website: https://www.stedwards.edu/ Bio Page: ** is President of St. Edward's University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 St. Edward’s University (St. Edward’s) is a private university in Austin, Texas that enrolls 2,766 undergraduate students, of whom 51% are Latino, and 40% are Pell Grant recipients. St. Edward’s was founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, from which it acquired distinguishing characteristics: the courage to take risks, an international perspective and the commitment to provide educational opportunities for students of varied cultural, religious, educational and economic backgrounds.