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.

The goal of this brief is to provide timely and accurate information about how Latino undergraduates participate in financial aid programs to pay for college. < Back How Latino Students Pay For College: Patterns of Financial Aid in 2003-04 Deborah A. Santiago July 2005 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Spanish Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Although the percentage of Latino students receiving financial aid for college is at an all-time high, Latinos receive the lowest average federal aid awards of any racial or ethnic group, according to a new report released August 10, 2005, by Excelencia in Education and the Institute for Higher Education Policy. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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.

This brief offers policy recommendations based on recent research and discussions to improve educational attainment of California's workforce, especially Latinos. < Back California Policy Options to Accelerate Latino Success in Higher Education Deborah A. Santiago October 2016 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview To be competitive, California's economy, like the rest of the U.S., requires a greater number of well-educated workers than currently exists. Many activities are underway to improve educational preparation and opportunity for Californians. However, without concerted statewide focus to leverage existing efforts and introduce new strategic initiatives, accelerating California's higher educational attainment and workforce preparation will remain difficult. This brief offers policy recommendations, based on recent research and discussions, to improve the educational attainment of California's workforce, especially Latinos. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief shares student and administrator experiences, offering insights to help improve college affordability for Latino, and all, students in Texas and nationally. < Back College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders Lily Cuellarsola, Madelyn Lucas, and Deborah Santiago June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students in Texas make informed, pragmatic choices to pay for college, often shaped by state policy and institutional action. This brief builds on 20 years of Excelencia in Education’s research on college affordability for Latino, and all, students , highlighting insights from institutional leaders and student experiences to inform efforts in Texas and beyond. Excelencia in Education engaged students, administrators, and institutional leaders at the following nine Seal-certified institutions in Texas: Angelo State University St. Edward’s University Texas State University Texas Woman’s University The University of Texas at Arlington The University of Texas at Austin The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley The University of Texas at San Antonio Read key findings and recommendations from our piece below. Key Findings Excelencia’s interviews with two groups: 1) students and 2) administrators/institutional leaders at the nine Seal-certified institutions in Texas revealed key insights into college affordability. Students are pragmatic in paying for college : Students prioritize financial stability and seek debt-free solutions, often opting for scholarships/grants and work-study over loans. While administrators view loans as strategic tools, students remain loan-averse due to concerns about debt. Student engagement across departments is transformative for students: Both groups agree on the importance of financial aid, but students find the most valuable information about scholarships and financial aid through academic departments rather than institutional outreach. Basic needs are crucial: Non-tuition costs, like housing, food, and transportation, are significant barriers, with students often foregoing paying for one over the other. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) simplification posed challenges. The recent FAFSA simplification brought significant delays for students, families, and practitioners. Texas policies reflect these issues, as the state balances increasing costs with a commitment to keeping student debt manageable, though challenges remain in funding equity and affordability. Recommendations Students and institutional leaders share a commitment to improving college affordability, though they approach the challenge from different perspectives. Students emphasize the need for direct, practical support—such as affordable payment options, basic needs coverage, and personalized guidance. In contrast, presidents and administrators focus on broader structural reforms—including expanding public investment, advocating for adjustment of federal policies, and realigning institutional practices to address affordability at scale. Both groups recognize the importance of financial education and support services, highlighting opportunities for alignment that center student needs while advancing systemic change. Students recommend that institutions: Provide more affordable options , such as income-based scholarships and flexible payment plans, alongside clearer communication and targeted outreach; Offer affordable housing, dining, and parking , while increasing staffing in key departments like financial aid to meet basic needs; and Strengthen first-year guidance in advising and continued support through mentorship and financial literacy programs. Presidents and administrators recommend that state and federal policy: Cover tuition for students from families earning under $100,000 and expand promise programs; Expand Pell Grant support and adjust Pell lifetime limits to serve post-traditional students; Increase funding predictability and support student success initiatives, such as the College Cost Recovery Act; Realign financial aid policies to curb tuition inflation and coordinate funding more effectively to better support Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs); Control off-campus housing options and enhance transportation systems; and Require financial education for graduation and promote the value of diverse postsecondary degrees. Suggested Citation – Cuellarsola, L., Lucas, M., & Santiago, D. (June 2025). College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Featured Publications How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Affordability Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

This brief provides a snapshot of Latinos in higher education today, as well as a summary of the growth and current profile of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students Deborah A. Santiago ; Morgan Taylor; Emily Calderón Galdeano May 2016 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Infographic PNG-Infographic SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This infographic complements the the report From Capacity to Success: HSIs, Title V, and Latino Students which examines the impact of 20 years of investment in HSIs and the link of this support on Latino, and all, student success. This issue brief provides a snapshot of Latinos in postsecondary education today, as well as a summary of the growth and current profile of HSIs. It also examines linkages between Latino students’ educational progress, the institutions where they are concentrated, and the impact of 20 years of federal funding on both student success and the development of HSIs, and offers recommendations for further research to refine the findings from this examination. Please allow a few seconds for loading of interactive infographic. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

< Back to News Page Leaders Join Excelencia’s Board and Expand Capacity to Advance National Talent Feb 25, 2026 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Elevates Leadership with New Higher Ed and Workforce Visionaries on Board WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2026) – Excelencia in Education, a national organization catalyzing institutional transformation for Latino, and all, student success in higher education, announced today that three distinguished visionaries in education, policy, and workforce development have joined its Board of Directors . Together with the full Board, they are elevating Excelencia’s leadership in helping colleges and universities embed student-centered, data-informed, continuous improvement into their strategies and practices — and prove their positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and communities. The new directors bring a powerful combination of experience and commitment to ensuring Latino, and all, students earn a quality college education, and to upholding higher education’s role as an engine of social mobility, workforce development, and economic vitality. They include an executive in a community college system innovating to facilitate access to excellence, a longstanding expert on education and workforce development, and a president who has led institutions transforming to intentionally serve their students in multiple states. Excelencia will leverage their perspectives to inform and drive the organization’s efforts to design, scale, and certify institutional solutions that produce measurable outcomes for Latino, and all, students. The new directors joining the Excelencia Board are: Verónica Herrero , Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago, and President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Verónica provides leadership for the City Colleges of Chicago district in the areas of strategy, institutional effectiveness, external affairs, advancement, and marketing and communications. Jane Oates , Senior Policy Advisor, WorkingNation Jane previously served as President of WorkingNation following a decades-long career as a thought leader in education and workforce. Cynthia Teniente-Matson , President, San José State University Cynthia’s leadership at San José State University has been marked by strategic growth, national recognition, and facilities initiatives, repositioning the university as a premier public urban research institution. Most recently, she served as president of a university in Texas. “ Excelencia continues to transform higher education for Latino, and all, students, growing excellence for America’s future,” said Massey Villarreal, Excelencia in Education Board Chair. “We are honored that the new and continuing board members are strengthening our impact, each bringing a proven commitment to producing meaningful results for students, institutions, and our nation’s workforce.” “The Directors on the Excelencia Board know first-hand that what works to intentionally serve Latino students in higher education can also work for others,” said Sarita E. Brown, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and President. “They are holding themselves accountable for delivering access and value that matters for the success of our students and country — and calling on others to do the same.” Meet the Excelencia in Education Board of Directors: EdExcelencia.org/about/our-people 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 Recognizes Programs Increasing Access to Excellence in Higher Education Aug 6, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Twelve Programs Earn Recognition as Examples of Excelencia Finalists for Evidence-Based Practices Making a Positive Impact on Student Success WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2025) – Excelencia in Education announced today the finalists for the 2025 Examples of Excelencia , recognizing 12 programs that demonstrate intentionality and impact in improving Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to recognize programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success amongst all served and, by doing so, facilitating access to excellence for all students. Since 2005, Excelencia has reviewed over 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their proven impact, and raised and awarded more than $2.2 million to programs making a positive difference for students across the nation. Latinos represent a post-traditional student body, often navigating multiple paths through higher education while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. This year’s finalists exemplify an intentional commitment to advancing Latino and other post-traditional students in higher education, offering evidence-based practices that can inform and guide student-centered efforts. These programs expand access to a quality college education by strengthening student transition and retention through innovative, sustainable, culturally responsive efforts. These practices include bridge programs, counseling and advising services, engaging families through bilingual outreach, and targeted mentoring and coaching that prepare students to graduate workforce-ready. “ Excelencia promotes what works for Latino, and all, students nationally because of our commitment to excellence in higher education that results in student success,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “The programs recognized as finalists this year are meeting the moment and ensuring access to quality education. We celebrate their efforts and encourage others to learn what is making a positive difference for students.” This year’s finalists were recognized from submissions representing 13 states and the District of Columbia, and they span four levels: associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organizations. Programmatic details about the finalists will be featured in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the nation's only online and searchable database designed for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others seeking evidence-based practices that improve opportunities and outcomes for Latino, and all, students in higher education. On September 29, Excelencia will announce the 2025 Examples of Excelencia , bringing national attention to the four programs that have earned this recognition among the 12 finalists. Programs will be recognized at Celebración de Excelencia , which is part of Excelencia ’s multi-day, invitational Fall Convening in Washington, D.C. The event is the meeting place for leaders from colleges, universities, evidence-based programs, philanthropy, policy, and business sharing a common cause to promote excellence and cultivate talent for America’s future workforce and civic leadership. Additionally, Excelencia in Education has recognized two Programs to Watch for their promising efforts already making a positive impact on student success as they continue to build their evidence of effectiveness. The 2025 Examples of Excelencia finalists are: ASSOCIATE LEVEL: GM ASEP, Cerritos College, Norwalk, CA College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI), Portland Community College, Portland, OR BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Algebra Recitation Program, Aurora University, Aurora, IL ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program, California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach, CA GRADUATE LEVEL: Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative, University of Illinois, Chicago, Chicago, IL LAWtina, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ The Bridge-to-Math-Doctorate Program, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS: Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways, Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), Mercedes, TX CREAR Futuros, Hispanic Federation, New York City, NY College Success Program, Latino Education Advancement Foundation (LEAF), San Jose, CA Signature Family Engagement Program (SFEP), Parent Institute for Quality Education, National City, CA Hermanitas and College Success Programs, MANA de San Diego, San Diego, CA The 2025 Examples of Excelencia Programs to Watch are: Dual Language Liberal Arts Transfer Degree Pathway (DL LAT), North Shore Community College, Lynn, MA Arizona Strategic Success Network, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ Learn more about the 2025 finalists for the Examples of Excelencia : EdExcelencia.org/what-works-examples-excelencia/examples-excelencia-finalists 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

Lamont O. Repollet is President of Kean University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Kean University Lamont O. Repollet President Institution website: https://www.kean.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.kean.edu/office-president Lamont O. Repollet is President of Kean University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

This fact sheet provides allies on the mainland with information on enrollment and completion, funding patterns, and challenges for higher education in Puerto Rico. < Back Higher Education in Puerto Rico Excelencia in Education May 2019 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Fact Sheet SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, a U.S. commonwealth, almost two years ago (September 2017) and most educational institutions were severely impacted. Many are still recovering. As those on the island look to rebuild, it is important potential allies on the mainland are more aware of the enrollment and completion, funding patterns, and future challenges of higher education in Puerto Rico. Learn the facts Download the Higher Education in Puerto Rico fact sheet Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico Support To support colleges and universities in Puerto Rico dealing with the aftereffects of Hurricane Maria, Excelencia dedicated a session during the 2018 Accelerating Latino Student Success (ALASS) Institute and joined forces with Margarita Benitez, Executive Director of the Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades. The Importance of Colleges and Universities in Puerto Rico Highlights from the 2018 ALASS Institute The Fundación Puertorriqueña de las Humanidades (FPH) / Puerto Rico Endowment for the Humanities is the equivalent of a Humanities State Council: an independent, non-profit organization affiliated with the National Endowment for the Humanities and dedicated to promoting humanistic values in its region. Margarita Benítez is the executive director. Since its creation in 1977, the FPH has significantly enabled Puerto Rico’s cultural and humanistic development by supporting organizations, communities, museums, universities and individuals as they undertake projects that reflect the diversity of the Puerto Rican experience, its heritage, traditions and history in the island and beyond. FPH’s support of research, symposia, exhibitions and multiple public programs contribute to the understanding and dissemination of the Puerto Rican humanistic experience in all its forms. For the past eight decades, higher education in Puerto Rico has been the most reliable pathway for individual and collective advancement. Puerto Rico is now facing a difficult economic situation, made more complicated by the ongoing repercussions of Hurricane Maria and demographic trends that show a reduction in the birth rate and an increase in the over 60 population Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Susana Rivera-Mills is President of Aurora University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Aurora University Susana Rivera-Mills President Institution website: https://aurora.edu/index.html Bio Page: https://aurora.edu/president/leadership/susana-rivera-mills.html S usana Rivera-Mills is President of Aurora University and part of Excelencia in Action network.