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Cynthia Teniente-Matson is the President for San José State University, and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Cynthia Teniente-Matson President San José State University Cynthia Teniente-Matson serves as President of San José State University, one of 48 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. Teniente-Matson’s leadership at SJSU has been marked by strategic growth, national recognition, and facilities initiatives, repositioning the University as a premier public urban research institution. Prior to leading SJSU, she was president of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, where her tenure included developing research initiatives, cybersecurity programs, and economic development initiatives, and earning Seal of Excelencia certification. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious Japan Foundation Center for Global Partnership’s 2020 US-Japan Public Intellectual.

Guy Bailey is President of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Guy Bailey President Institution website: https://www.utrgv.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.utrgv.edu/president/about/ Guy Bailey is President of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is a comprehensive academic institution of higher education located along the Texas-Mexico Border, with a population that is 94% Latino. UTRGV recognizes that one of its strengths is the bilingual and bicultural community it serves and is committed to being a model bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate institution, implementing several strategic initiatives to meet that goal. UTRGV embraces the historical and cultural heritage of the region it serves by building curricula and programming that reflect the community assets and intellectual wealth.

Federal financial aid is key to higher education access and success for many students, including most Latinos, but current realities challenge its effectiveness. < Back Using a Latino Lens to Reimagine Aid Design and Delivery Deborah A. Santiago March 2013 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Federal financial aid is critical to student access and success in postsecondary education for many students, including most Latinos. However, current realities are challenging the effectiveness of federal financial aid policy today. This white paper uses a Latino lens to articulate challenges and opportunities for financial aid policy using both public data and input by students, institutional partners, and other stakeholders. The Latino lens is not intended to exclude consideration of other groups. Instead it offers a contemporary lens to more accurately see America’s student population and provides a fresh perspective on financial aid policy using the profile of this young and growing population as the baseline, rather than the footnote, to define the post-traditional student. 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

To reinforce institutional capacity to better serve, Excelencia has created the Ladder of Engagement which is a system of technical assistance comprised of support, tools, resources, and expertise. Institutional Capacity Building Excelencia in Education helps colleges and universities embed student-centered data-driven continuous improvement cycles into their strategies and practices to demonstrate measurable outcomes and prove their positive student impact to funders, accreditors, and the communities they serve. To support and reinforce institutional capacity to more intentionally serve all students, Excelencia’s capacity building programming meets institutions where they are in their transformation and supports their journey to build sustainable, campus-wide habits of accountability. Build sustainable, campus-wide habits of continuous improvement. LEARN MORE Excelencia leverages more than 20 years of experience listening to, learning from, and working with colleges and universities in transforming their campuses into places where Latino, and all, students thrive. In this community of practice, Excelencia offers curated content and peer support to institutions in their journey to more intentionally SERVE Latino, and all, students. 2026 Excelencia's C apacity Building Programming To build and support institutional capacity, Excelencia offers institutional teams institutes in the Seal of Excelencia framework areas of data, practice, and leadership as well as key policy areas: Data Institute: Strengthen your team’s capacity to analyze, interpret, and leverage data to drive institutional data-based decisions and actions. Evidence-Based Practices Institute: Builds your team’s capacity to assess impact and document intentionality of your efforts for data-driven accountability and continuous improvement Alignment Institute : Offers a cohort-driven and interactive engagement to align institutional data, evidence-based practices, and leadership strategies to increase student success. Post-Completion Institute : Engages institutional teams in developing, implementing, and measuring support systems for the post-completion success of Latino, and all, students. Additional information and registration links for each institute can be found here . Institutes A student-centered self-assessment tool for institutions to evaluate who they serve, don't serve, and aim to serve. It identifies strengths, challenges, and opportunities for greater intentionality by examining data, leadership, and practices linked to success for Latino and all students. Three facilitated cohorts to choose from. A SSITA Intake form and additional information for each can be found here . SSITA (Seal Serving Institutional Transformation Assessment) What Works Workshops Finding What Works: Exploring Your Campus for Impactful Programs - A workshop series to support your institution's journey in identifying programs serving Latino, and all, students and exploring their impact. Sharing Excellence: A Workshop to Craft Stories of Impactful Programs – A workshop series that offers higher education leaders a writing lab experience to craft a narrative of your program efforts grounded in intentionality and evidence. Additional information and registration links for each institute can be found here . Webinars 2026 Examples of Excelencia Submission Webinar - During this one-hour virtual session, the Institutional Programs team will provide an overview of the submission process, including the changes for 2026. Virtual on February 11. Register here . 2026 Seal of Excelencia Certification Application Webinar - Webinar provides an overview of the 2026 application process, key dates and resources available. It will also feature 2025 Seal certified institutions who will share their experiences and recommendations. Virtual on March 30. Register here . Expand Your Knowledge with Excelencia What will institutional teams experience at Excelencia’s capacity building events and activities? Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities offer interactive, content-rich sessions by subject matter specialists, policy makers, researchers, leaders in higher education, and representatives from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions and Examples of Excelencia programs to build momentum and increase capacity to become spaces where all students thrive. What is Excelencia’s approach to help institutions examine their data, practices, and leadership strategies? As a trusted and respected convener, Excelencia creates environments built on confianza for institutional teams to engage in asset-based discussions on data, evidence-based practices, leadership strategies, and policy with a student-centered lens to identify institutional strengths and opportunities. How does Excelencia facilitate sharing and learning among peer institutions as they build capacity to increase student success? Excelencia’s Capacity building activities offer opportunities to engage and network with other institutions as cohorts to build communities of common cause and practice sharing experiences, strategies, practices, strengths, and opportunities. What will institutions gain (walk away with) after engaging in Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities? Excelencia offers dedicated time and space for institutional teams to reflect, discuss, and develop tactical action plans for campus-wide implementation using Excelencia’s robust tools to examine their own data, practices, and leadership strategies. What support do institutions receive after engaging in Excelencia’s capacity building opportunities? Excelencia's team remains a resource for all institutions that engage in capacity building and seek further opportunities to increase their student success. For those attending institutes, Excelencia offers opportunities to continue learning and sharing with peer institutions through facilitated engagement at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up sessions after each institute. For more information or for any questions, please email our team at InstCapacity@EdExcelencia.org . LEARN MORE

This brief explores practices by programs to increase Latino student success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to address workforce needs. < Back Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Janette Martinez; Deborah A. Santiago June 2017 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees are a key focus for many communities to address workforce needs. Yet less than 10 percent of STEM degrees and certificates awarded annually are to Latinos. To increase Latino representation in STEM jobs, colleges need to recruit, retain, and graduate more Latino STEM students amongst all served. This brief explores practices used by programs to serve Latino students and increase all students' success. 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 . Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Latinos will need to earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030 to reach the U.S. degree attainment goal. Learn about Latino College Completion in Vermont. Latino College Completion - Vermont Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. However, different patterns emerge within each state or location. To reach the Latino degree attainment goal by 2030, states can close the degree completion gap by accelerating Latino completion while increasing for all students and scale up programs and initiatives that work for Latino, and all, students. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2021) 67% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 52% Of White adults Fast Facts Vermont had the 50th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 2% K-12 Population 2% Total Population 2-Year Graduation Rate 0% Latino Students 26% White Students Median Age 35 Latinos 44 White 4-Year Graduation Rate 69% Latino Students 71% White Students Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 26%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Vermont. At four-year institutions , Hispanics' graduation rate was 2%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Vermont. BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE Top Institutions To find out more about the top institutions enrolling, and awarding associate and bachelor degrees to Hispanics by using the tabs below to navigate the information. Click on the tabs below to explore. ENROLLING ASSOCIATES DEGREES BACHELORS DEGREE Top Institutions Enrolling (Hispanic Undergraduates) in Vermont, 2021-2022 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Vermont Public, 4-year or above 11,081 504 5% 2 Middlebury College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,837 299 11% 3 Norwich University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 2,924 296 10% 4 Champlain College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 3,170 262 8% 5 Community College of Vermont Public, 2-year 3,754 133 4% Top Institutions Awarding Associate Degrees to Hispanics in Vermont, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 Community College of Vermont Public, 2-year 416 12 3% 2 Landmark College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 55 4 7% 3 Northern Vermont University Public, 4-year or above 41 3 7% 4 Vermont Technical College Public, 4-year or above 278 3 1% 5 Champlain College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 53 2 4% Top Institutions Awarding Bachelor Degrees to Hispanics in Vermont, 2020-2021 Rank Institutions Sector Grand Total Hispanic Total % Hispanic 1 University of Vermont Public, 4-year or above 2,632 109 4% 2 Middlebury College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 605 64 11% 3 Champlain College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 762 61 8% 4 Norwich University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 738 56 8% 5 Saint Michael's College Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 321 22 7% Examples of What Works for Latino, And All, Students Looking to know what works or connect with evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Our team can work with you to identify and connect with relevant programs making an impact on student success that can help you in your efforts to intentionally serve your Latino, and all, students. Click here to contact us . Sources Excelencia in Education. (2020). Ensuring America’s Future: Benchmarking Latino College Completion to 2030. Excelencia in Education. Washington, D.C. U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education Analysis using the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

Jessica Marie Arguello serves as the Administration Manager of Institutional Engagement of Excelencia in Education. Jessica manages and coordinates the enrollment, onboarding, and engagement of institutions within the Excelencia in Action (E-Action). < Back to Our People Page Jessica Marie Arguello Administration Manager, Institutional Engagement Excelencia in Education Email: jarguello@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As the Administration Manager of Institutional Engagement, I manage and coordinate engagement with Presidents, Chancellors, and Affiliates across institutions in the Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network. I lead in tracking and analyzing institutional enrollment and engagement, to inform strategy. Through this work, I support the growth, retention, and ongoing commitment of institutions dedicated to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. Past Experiences: After receiving my undergraduate degree in Social Work (April 2010) from Florida International University, I served as a Research Assistant from 2012-2017 and gained experience in higher education. I then joined the School of Social Work as their Senior Program Coordinator for the Office of Field Education, while obtaining my graduate degree in Higher Education Administration (August 2021). My skills in higher education and social work were guided by professors and mentors that continue to challenge my journey as a life-long student. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? I brought my talent and skills to Excelencia in Education, because of my passion for discovering evidence-based practices that transform and accelerate Latino students in higher education. I relate to this organization as a Latina and life-long student of higher education and my goal is to empower others that are motivated to work in this field in transforming the country towards equity and inclusion. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia in Education, feels aspirational on a daily basis. Our organization is working with institutions on a national platform to highlight the success of the transformational journey these institutions are paving. To work with leaders committed and dedicated to the growth of their Latino students is the greatest motivation to continue the mission, vision, and goals of Excelencia in Education.

Stay informed with the latest from Excelencia as we continue to apply a Latino lens to critical issues in higher education. NEWS Latest News Excelencia in Education analysis, efforts, and experts are featured in hundreds of media outlets every year, from NBC News, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, to Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, Inside Higher Ed, and The Chronicle of Higher Education. Stay informed with the latest from Excelencia as we continue to apply a Latino lens to critical issues in higher education. Media Inquiries To cover Excelencia analysis and efforts, or to get in touch with one of our experts for an interview, please contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org April 8, 2026 New Analysis Shows Critical Role Hispanic-Serving Institutions Play in Educating Latino, and All, Students Read More March 17, 2026 New Analysis Shows Latino Talent Is Key to U.S. Global Competitiveness as AI Changes Workforce Needs Read More February 25, 2026 Leaders Join Excelencia’s Board and Expand Capacity to Advance National Talent Read More October 23, 2025 Colleges and Universities Recognized for Excellence in Serving Students, Growing Talent and Advancing Success Read More September 30, 2025 18 Colleges and Universities Taking Responsibility for Students’ Educational and Economic Success Earn the Seal of Excelencia Read More 1 2 3 4 1 ... 1 2 3 4 ... 4 Communications Resources Referring to Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education’s name is intentionally bilingual, reflecting our commitment to Latino students amongst all, quality education, and the asset base available to the U.S. by supporting Latinos’ excellence in education. Please italicize “Excelencia ” in all references to the organization and relevant efforts (e.g., “Seal of Excelencia ”). Our Logo We trademarked Excelencia’s logo in 2024. Please access high-resolution versions of Excelencia’s logo by contacting: Media@EdExcelencia.org Our Boilerplate 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 Our Social Media Excelencia is active on the following social media platforms: LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/company/excelencia-in-education Facebook: Facebook.com/EdExcelencia Instagram: @excelencia_in_education Medium: ExcelenciainEducation.medium.com YouTube: ExcelenciaEducation X: @EdExcelencia Hashtags to follow: #LatinoStudentSuccess #StudentSuccess #ExcelenciaInAction #ExcelenciaInEducation #Excelencia #ExcelenciaSeal #GrowingExamples #HigherEd

Excelencia's 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium details programs intentionally supporting Latino and other post-traditional students. < Back 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education Excelencia in Education September 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has identified and promoted evidence-based practices increasing Latino student success amongst all served. Since 2005 Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions for Examples of Excelencia , recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million in funds to programs making a positive difference for Latino students across the country. Programs at the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels are recognized for their intentional and culturally relevant asset-based efforts that facilitate access to excellence for all students. Our 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education compendium recognizes the critical work that this year’s four Examples of Excelencia , eighteen finalists , and twelve Programs to Watch are doing across the nation. These programs demonstrate an intentional and aligned approach in supporting Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially as they make their way to and through college. Excelencia in Education invites you to learn more about the recognized programs that best exemplify the spirit of Examples of Excelencia through the 2024 What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education. 2024 Examples of Excelencia ASSOCIATE LEVEL: English for Academic Purposes | Reading Area Community College (PA) Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) | Washington State University (WA) Institution/Organization: Washington State University State: Washington Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Project upGRADS | California State University, Fullerton (CA) Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed | The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. (FL) Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. State: Florida Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia partnered with CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning) to examine Latino students' experience with prior learning assessment (PLA). < Back Random Access: The Latino Student Experience with Prior Learning Assessment Council for Adult and Experimental Learning; Excelencia in Education October 2014 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Many Latinos come to higher education as adults aged 25 or older. A degree completion strategy that is particularly suited to adult students in higher education is prior learning assessment (PLA). PLA This report presents the findings from a new study by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), in partnership with Excelencia in Education, which examines the experience of Latino, and all, students with PLA at 10 postsecondary institutions in the U.S. between 2010 and 2013. To meet current and future labor market needs in the U.S., government leaders, philanthropic organizations, and higher education institutions have turned their attention to helping more people—both adults and traditional-aged college students—access education and succeed in completing college degrees. Through analysis of more than 32,000 student academic records, along with interviews with Latino students and PLA administrators, the study examines how Latino, and all, students engage with PLA in terms of methods used, number of credits earned, and areas of study for which credits are earned. It also investigates the role that institutions play in encouraging Latino, and all, students to take advantage of PLA. However, for PLA to be an effective strategy to help with Latino degree completion, Latino students must know about it and use it. The study’s findings suggest specific strategies for more effective outreach on PLA to Latino students, as well as other important target populations. This report was made possible with support from TG. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Joyce Ester is President of Governors State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Governors State University Joyce Ester President Institution website: https://www.govst.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.govst.edu/president/ Joyce Ester is President of Governors State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.