John Nunes is President of California Lutheran University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California Lutheran University John Nunes President Institution website: https://www.callutheran.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.callutheran.edu/president/about.html John Nunes is President of California Lutheran University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Verónica Herrero is the Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago, President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Verónica Herrero Executive Vice Chancellor, City Colleges of Chicago President, City Colleges of Chicago Foundation Verónica Herrero serves as the Executive Vice Chancellor at the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) and as President of the CCC Foundation. In her capacity, she provides leadership for the district in the areas of strategy, institutional effectiveness, external affairs, advancement, and marketing and communications. She also fosters partnerships across all sectors in support of CCC’s vision. In her previous role as Chief of Strategy and Staff, she architected CCC’s strategic framework, which is centered on a powerful vision that, as the most accessible higher education engine of social mobility, CCC Will empower Chicagoans to take part in building a stronger, more just city. She brings cross-sector leadership experience in strategy, student success, and education management through her previous roles at One Million Degrees, the UChicago Urban Education Institute, and Chicago Public Schools. Herrero serves on the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) as Vice Chair, and the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees as the Chair of the Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Personnel Committee.

The compilation includes 35 evidence-based programs improving higher education success for Latino students with cultural responsiveness and asset-based approaches. < Back Advancing What Works to Intentionally Serve Latino Students: Opportunities for Action - 2024 Excelencia in Education April 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia has brought attention to noteworthy efforts that inspire and support educators, community leaders, funders, and policymakers to replicate and bring to scale evidence-based practices. Essential to this effort is Examples of Excelencia , the only national data-driven initiative to identify and promote programs that increase Latino student success amongst all served in higher education. This compilation identifies evidence-based programs at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement for Latinos. These programs emphasize cultural responsiveness and take asset-based approaches to intentionally serving Latinos, as well as other post-traditional students, in five key areas. Engagement to Prepare Students and Families for College Given the degree attainment needed to ensure the country’s economic and civic future, there is an opportunity to expand and enhance the engagement of students and their families in the college going process. Through strategic partnerships, bilingual services, mentoring, and high touch outreach, the following programs ensure students and their families are informed and supported as they navigate opportunities for post-secondary education. Click the expand symbol to find out which programs have a focus in college preparation. Program Name: Center for Educational Partnerships Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Program Name: College Success Program - Hyde Square Task Force Institution/Organization: Hyde Square Task Force State: Massachusetts Program Name: Influence Student Potential and Increase Representation in Education (INSPIRE) Institution/Organization: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science State: Illinois Program Name: Latino Initiative Institution/Organization: Utah Valley University State: Utah Program Name: Latinx Leadership and College Experience Camp (LLCEC) Institution/Organization: Bluegrass Community and Technical College State: Kentucky Program Name: Latino U Scholars Institution/Organization: Latino U College Access (LUCA) State: New York Program Name: TuFuturo Institution/Organization: Community Education Coalition State: Indiana First-Year Experiences Building Strong Foundations for Success I nstitutions have the opportunity to be proactive with first-year students to ensure they not only enroll but stay with them. Intentional, well-designed, first-year support programs can have a significant impact on students transitioning to college or university, particularly Latino students. The following programs demonstrate such impact through practices like summer bridge programs, financial support, and academic planning. By providing additional services such as individualized mentoring, career exploration, bilingual services, and leadership development these programs not only support but empower students to navigate the complexities of college life with confidence and a sense of belonging. Click the expand symbol to find out which programs have a focus in first year programming. Program Name: Connect4Success (C4S) Institution/Organization: Miami Dade College State: Florida Program Name: CSUN Bridge to the Future Scholars Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Northridge State: California Program Name: Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program Institution/Organization: County College of Morris State: New Jersey Program Name: Engage. Develop. Grow. Empower. (EDGE)/plEDGE Program Institution/Organization: College of the Desert State: California Program Name: Gaining Access ‘N Academic Success (GANAS) Institution/Organization: California State University, East Bay State: California Program Name: Learning Framework Course Institution/Organization: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley State: Texas Program Name: Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) Program Institution/Organization: Mercy University State: New York Bilingualism Enhancing Academic and Career Connections Given Spanish is a local and global language the demand for Spanish speakers in multiple professions will continue to be a need. Bilingual students are uniquely positioned to have these needed language skills and the cultural contexts to better understand and serve others in their communities and in their future careers. The programs below leverage community partnerships, bicultural pedagogy, and experiential learning to support student academic and career success. Many of their alumni are becoming leaders and change agents in their professions. Click the expand symbol to find out which programs have a focus in bilingual programming. Program Name: Ánimo Latinx Counseling Emphasis Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Program Name: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Institution/Organization: Saint Augustine College State: Illinois Program Name: English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Program Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Program Name: Latinx Leadership Initiative (LLI) Institution/Organization: Boston College, School of Social Work State: Massachusetts Program Name: Medical Spanish Minor Institution/Organization: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley State: Texas Program Name: PIONERAS (Professional Improvement through Optimization of Native-language Education and the Realization of Academic/familial Symbiosis) Institution/Organization: Texas Woman’s University State: Texas Program Name: Supera Spanish Speaking Program (SSP) Institution/Organization: Kean University State: New Jersey Experiences and Partnerships Building Career Pathways The more institutions can provide experiences and partnerships beyond the classroom, then the more students can move directly into their career path, and into higher wages. Since most Latino students are working while attending college, these programs are intentional about career connections within their program of study. They use cohort groupings, mentorship, research opportunities, and employer connections to enhance their academic degree programs. Click left arrow to find out which programs have a focus in career/workforce. Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Health Science Institution/Organization: Rush University State: Illinois Program Name: Engineering Program at Wright College Institution/Organization: City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College State: Illinois Program Name: Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) Institution/Organization: Adams State University State: Colorado Program Name: Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IIR) Institution/Organization: University of Puerto Rico, Cayey State: Puerto Rico Program Name: M.S. in Environmental Science Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at San Antonio State: Texas Program Name: Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State: Texas Program Name: Wood Technology Program Institution/Organization: Laney College State: California Gender-Based Learning Communities to Support Success Gender-based programming has emerged as a transformative approach to address and mitigate the disparities faced by students based on gender, particularly within underrepresented communities. These programs engage parents, provide tutoring, utilize cohort groupings, and build strong mentoring relationships. These programs below build confidence, inspire ambition, and illuminate the possibilities that lie ahead, particularly in fields where they have been historically marginalized. Click left arrow to find out which programs have a focus in Latina/Latino gender-based programming. Program Name: ¡Adelante Latina! Institution/Organization: ¡Adelante Latina! State: Maryland Program Name: Con Mi MADRE Institution/Organization: Con Mi MADRE State: Texas Program Name: Encuentros Leadership Preparatory Academy Institution/Organization: Encuentros Leadership State: California Program Name: Hispanic Mother-Daughter Program (HMDP) Institution/Organization: Arizona State University State: Arizona Program Name: Project Mentoring to Achieve Latino Educational Success (MALES) Institution/Organization: University of Texas, Austin State: Texas Program Name: Mathematics Intensive Summer Session (MISS) Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Program Name: Sam Houston Establishing Leadership In and Through Education (SH ELITE) Institution/Organization: Sam Houston State University State: Texas Growing What Works: Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Let’s talk. 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 . “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 : Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Gregory Fowler is President of the University of Maryland Global Campus and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Maryland Global Campus Gregory Fowler President Institution website: https://www.umgc.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.umgc.edu/administration/leadership-and-governance/president Gregory Fowler is President of the University of Maryland Global Campus and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Katrina Bell-Jordan is Interim President of Northeastern Illinois University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Northeastern Illinois University Katrina Bell-Jordan Interim President Institution website: https://www.neiu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.neiu.edu/news/katrina-e-bell-jordan-named-interim-president-of-northeastern-illinois-university#:~:text=Bell%2DJordan%20came%20to%20Northeastern,Sciences%20associate%20dean%20in%202015 Katrina Bell-Jordan is Interim President of Northeastern Illinois University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

** is President of MiraCosta College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page MiraCosta College ** President Institution website: https://www.miracosta.edu/ Bio Page: ** is President of MiraCosta College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Kenneth Christensen is Chancellor of the University of Colorado-Denver is affiliated with the Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Colorado, Denver Kenneth Christensen Chancellor Institution website: https://ucdenver.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ucdenver.edu/chancellor/biography Kenneth Christensen is Chancellor of the University of Colorado-Denver is affiliated with the Excelencia in Action network.

Massey Villarreal is Chief Executive Officer & President of Precision Task Group, Inc., and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Massey Villarreal Chief Executive Officer & President Precision Task Group, Inc. Massey Villarreal is Chief Executive Officer & President of Precision Task Group, Inc. He is a respected business leader and a long-time advocate for the Latino community and higher education. Villarreal is immediate past chairman of the Texas Association of Business (TAB) and serves on the Texas Association of Community College Business Advisory Council, the WWII Museum, and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) National Council. He was the first person to serve as chairman of a local, state, and national Hispanic chamber, including the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He has also served on the Texas State University System Board of Regents.

Michael E. Spagna is President of Sonoma State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Sonoma State University Michael E. Spagna President Institution website: https://www.sonoma.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.sonoma.edu/about-president Michael E. Spagna is President of Sonoma State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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.

Sue Andrzejewski is Interim President of California State University-Channel Islands and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-Channel Islands Sue Andrzejewski Interim President Institution website: https://www.csuci.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csuci.edu/president/campus-leadership/presidents-bio.htm Sue Andrzejewski is Interim President of California State University-Channel Islands and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 California State University, Channel Islands (CSUCI), Ventura County's sole four-year public institution, serves nearly 5,000 undergraduates, with 62% identifying as Latino.

This brief highlights resilience efforts at 5 Puerto Rican Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) amid economic disruptions, demographic shifts, and natural disasters. < Back Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico: A First Look at Efforts by Puerto Rican HSIs Excelencia in Education February 2023 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Over the last five years, Puerto Rico has faced fiscal and economic disruptions, demographic shifts, hurricanes and earthquakes, governance challenges, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While most of these conditions are not new to Puerto Rico, the intersection of all these challenges created a nexus for institutional resilience and efforts. This brief is the second phase of a multi-tiered project–the first of which was an environmental scan of conditions and context of the population, K-12 educational pipeline, higher education, and workforce in Puerto Rico that Excelencia published in 2021. While this brief is not meant to be exhaustive of the experiences of institutions and students in Puerto Rico, it is indicative in a broader sense of institutional resilience and transformation to meet their mission and goals to serve their communities with a quality education. Excelencia in Education engaged five Puerto Rican HSIs in a series of interviews to learn more about their efforts in resilience in the last five years: Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Arecibo Universidad Ana G. Méndez-Gurabo University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras University of Puerto Rico-Utuado Findings These five HSIs are adapting to compounding challenges in their current context. From the interviews with these institutions, Excelencia identified key efforts that demonstrate these institutions’ resilience: Sustaining institutional management. Leadership at these five institutions described the restructuring strategies they implemented to sustain their institution. Some of these strategies included making staffing changes, consolidating their student services and academic programs, streamlining degree requirements, and seeking external funding. Managing enrollment plans and expectations. To address enrollment challenges, these HSIs have enhanced and adapted their recruitment strategies to more intentionally recruit students to their institution. These strategies included expanding program offerings to students in the mainland, holding Open Houses, placing emphasis on robust academic programs, and utilizing new outreach mediums such as social media to reach more students. Supporting students by meeting their basic needs and providing wraparound services. To retain their students, these institutions aimed at holistically serving their students by meeting students' basic needs. Institutions provided access to meals, additional financial support, mental health services and counseling, and intentional outreach throughout their students’ trajectory. Preparing students for graduation and post-completion. Institutional leadership at these institutions emphasized the importance of connecting their graduating students to Puerto Rico’s workforce through dedicated career development opportunities for students, internship experiences, job fairs, and opportunities for research experience and continuing on their education at the graduate level. This publication was developed with the generous support of the Ascendium Education Group. Special thanks to Margarita Benítez, Senior Associate, and Hilda Colón Plumey, Professional Educational Consultant who were integral parts of this analysis and led the interviews with institutional leaders and administrators. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C. (February 2023). Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico: A First Look at Efforts by Puerto Rican HSIs. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Learn more about Latino College Completion in Puerto Rico Read our an environmental scan of colleges and universities in Puerto Rico in Higher Education in Puerto Rico: Conditions and Context Influencing Institutional Resilience WEBINAR: Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico: A First Look at Efforts by Puerto Rican HSIs Given the changing conditions and context of higher education in the U.S. in recent years, HSIs have had to adapt and sustain to continue to enroll, retain, and graduate their Latino, and all, students. In particular, Puerto Rico has faced fiscal and economic disruptions, demographic shifts, natural phenomena, governance challenges, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Hear from Institutional leaders from HSIs in Puerto Rico and the mainland as they share their perspectives and leadership efforts of how they intentionally serve their Latino students even during challenging times. Infographics to share Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce