Ricardo Solis is President of South Texas College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page South Texas College Ricardo Solis President Institution website: https://www.southtexascollege.edu/ Bio Page: https://admin.southtexascollege.edu/president/ Ricardo Solis is President of South Texas College and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Intentionally Thriving Institution: 2025-2028 STC, an open-access institution, serves a predominantly Hispanic population (95%) in a region of Texas where 32% lack a high school diploma and poverty rates are nearly 32%, making education a critical driver of opportunity. STC serves more than 27,000 students of which 94% identify as Latino.

This brief examines Latino students' college choices, which are converting existing colleges and universities into Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Choosing Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): A Closer Look at Latino Students' College Choices Deborah A. Santiago July 2007 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This brief examines Latino students' college choices. While Latino students may not be aware of the HSI designation, they are in fact converting existing colleges and institutions into HSIs simply as a function of their own decisions - a trend that shows signs of continuing for several more years. To examine Latino students' college choices, we blended analysis of national enrollment patterns with data from focus groups conducted with Latino college students from different institutions across the country. The results show the impact of Latino students' emphasis on selecting colleges near their homes. This emphasis, coupled with the concentration of Latino housing patterns, leads to the concentrated enrollments of Latino students that form HSIs. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Georgia, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Georgia Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 29% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 47% Of White adults Fast Facts Georgia had the 10th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 16% K-12 Population 11% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 27 Latinos 42 White Median Income $33,988 Without a college degree $62,863 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 4%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Georgia. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 8%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Georgia. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 Kennesaw State University Public, 4-year or above 39,503 6,184 16% 5,826 727 12% 2 Georgia State University Public, 4-year or above 27,109 3,959 15% 5,309 734 14% 3 Georgia Gwinnett College Public, 4-year or above 11,156 3,133 28% 1,156 268 23% 4 University of North Georgia Public, 4-year or above 15,542 2,618 17% 2,705 404 15% 5 University of Georgia Public, 4-year or above 31,310 2,385 8% 8,062 541 7% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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 U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

< Back to News Page Colleges and Universities Recognized for Excellence in Serving Students, Growing Talent and Advancing Success Oct 23, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Arizona institutions certified with prestigious Seal of Excelencia PHOENIX – Leaders from colleges and universities across Arizona convened last week to discuss “Advancing Student Success in Higher Education in AZ: Growing Talent for our Country’s Future,” organized by Excelencia in Education, a national leader in catalyzing institutional transformation for student success in higher education. The Helios Education Foundation hosted this special event. The forum featured a dynamic panel moderated by Sarita E. Brown, co-founder and President of Excelencia in Education. Panelists included Kimberly Britt, President of Phoenix College; Marla Franco, Special Advisor for Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives at the University of Arizona; and Nancy Gonzales, Provost at Arizona State University. Together, they shared how their institutions are intentionally and effectively serving Latino, and all, students, to advance academic achievement, build talent for the workforce, and strengthen communities across Arizona. Vince Yanez, Senior Vice President at Helios Foundation reflected on the transformational role higher education plays in Arizona, emphasizing the ways institutions are connecting education to opportunities for social and economic mobility for all students. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego highlighted the vitality of these institutions, how their graduates’ education and training improve their career prospects and fuels social mobility, as well as their positive impact to the local and state economy. “Access to higher education is key to a thriving workforce and growing economy,” said Mayor Gallego. “I commend our universities, colleges, and organizations dedicated to education attainment for their tireless work to make that a reality for students. It’s a direct investment in the long-term prosperity of our state.” As today’s students navigate evolving needs and opportunities, Arizona’s higher education institutions are demonstrating that transformation is possible when data, practice, and leadership are aligned with intentionality. All three institutions represented on the panel have earned the Seal of Excelencia certification, demonstrating their systemic use of data, evidence-based strategies and results-oriented leadership aligned for greater success for students, their families, and their communities. Nationally, Seal of Excelencia certified institutions deliver measurable results: while representing less than 1% of all colleges and universities in the U.S, they enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students nationwide, as well as enroll 7% and graduate 8% of all students. Four Arizona institutions have earned the Seal of Excelencia. Last month in Washington, DC, Excelencia in Education announced two Arizona institutions— Arizona State University and the University of Arizona — earned the new Intentionally Thriving Institution (ITI) Seal of Excelencia designation. This level of certification is for colleges and universities that achieve certification for the third time and demonstrate how they prepare students for the workforce and their long-term success. “Students and families expect higher education to demonstrate its practical value and policy makers and investors are looking for higher education to deliver a return on investment. By earning the Seal of Excelencia certification colleges and universities demonstrate how they effectively serve Latino, and all, students. It is significant that Arizona has four institutions that have earned the Seal of Excelencia ”” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education, at the Forum. “Further, for two of the eight institutions in the entire country —to have earned certification as Intentionally Thriving Institutions coming from Arizona is good news and demonstrate great potential for the future.” About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Pradeep K. Khosla is Chancellor of the University of California-San Diego and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of California-San Diego Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Institution website: https://www.ucsd.edu/ Bio Page: https://chancellor.ucsd.edu/about/about-the-chancellor/index.html Pradeep K. Khosla is Chancellor of the University of California-San Diego and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Juan Sánchez Muñoz is Chancellor of the University of California-Merced and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of California-Merced Juan Sánchez Muñoz Chancellor Institution website: https://www.ucmerced.edu/ Bio Page: https://chancellor.ucmerced.edu/meet-chancellor/munoz Juan Sánchez Muñoz is Chancellor of the University of California-Merced and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2024-2027 University of California, Merced (UC Merced) continues to enroll increasing numbers of students as one of the fastest-growing campuses in the UC system. In fall 2023, more than 8,000 undergraduate students enrolled at UC Merced with 54% identifying as Latino. The 2023 first-year class of 2,416 students, the largest in campus history, comes almost entirely from California of which 60% are Pell Grant-eligible and more than 62% are the first in their family to attend college.

These programs positively impact their Latino students and local communities by incorporating intentional and culturally relevant evidence-based practices. Examples of Excelencia Finalists 2026 Excelencia in Education announces finalists and Programs to Watch for the 2026 Examples of Excelencia . This year, Excelencia is recognizing and elevating what works by highlighting practices in four key issue areas that are shaping and evolving the landscape of higher education for Latino, and all, students. The four areas are: (1) Career and Workforce, (2) Teaching and Learning, (3) Student Support, and (4) AI Innovation . The finalists recognized this year are making a measurable difference for students and their local communities through intentional, culturally relevant, evidence-based practices. Their programs offer sustainable and data-informed models that can inspire higher education leaders to advance student success across diverse institutional contexts. The 2026 Examples of Excelencia finalists join a Community of Practice for What Works—a national network of recognized programs dedicated to sharing what works, learning from one another, and driving institutional change that benefits Latino, and all, students. For more than two decades, Excelencia in Education has elevated evidence-based practices that are transforming higher education. Through Examples of Excelencia , the organization has reviewed more than 2,500 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their measurable impact, and awarded more than $2.2 million to support programs advancing Latino student success. Looking to connect with these programs or other evidence-based programs recognized by Excelencia ? Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll provide you with a curated list of programs making an impact on student success based on the state, academic level, or issue area of your interest. Contact us . CAREER & WORKFORCE: Blue Chip Leadership Experience | University of Arizona (AZ) Institution/Organization: University of Arizona State: Arizona Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Mentoring, Other, Leadership Learn More: https://career.arizona.edu/blue-chip-leadership-experience/ Nursing BSN Bridge | San Antonio College (TX) Institution/Organization : San Antonio College State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus : Adult Learners, Dual Credit Learn More : https://www.alamo.edu/sac/academics/program-index/nursing-education/bsn/ ? Spanish for Global Health and Human Services | University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization : University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL, Other, Workforce Pipeline and Health Equity Learn More : https://catalog.uta.edu/liberalarts/languages/undergraduate/spanish-global-health-human-svcs-minor/ TEACHING & LEARNING: The Bridge-to-Math Doctorate Program | The University of Texas at Arlington (TX) Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State : Texas Area of Impact: Academic Program Program Focus: Mentoring, Scholarship Student Experience Project Faculty Community of Practice | The University of Texas at San Antonio (TX) Institution/Organization : The University of Texas at San Antonio State : Texas Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Faculty Development Learn More : https://provost.utsa.edu/academicinnovation/sep/ STUDENT SUPPORT: College Access Latinx Initiative (CALI) | Portland Community College (OR) Institution/Organization : Portland Community College State : Oregon Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: First Year Support, Mentoring Learn More : https://www.pcc.edu/college-access-latinx-initiative/ College Success Program | Latino Education Advancement Foundation (CA) Institution/Organization : Latino Education Advancement Foundation State : California Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus: Family Engagement, First Year Support Learn More : https://www.leafca.org/what-we-do/college-success-program Early College | Cerritos Community College District (CA) Institution/Organization : Cerritos Community College District State : California Area of Impact: Access Program Focus: College Prep, Dual Credit G-Force Work-Study Mentorship Program (TWU Go Program) | Texas Woman's University (TX) Institution/Organization : Texas Woman's University State : Texas Area of Impact : Retention Program Focus : Mentoring Learn More : https://twu.edu/firstgen/ Honors Living-Learning Community | Rutgers University-Newark (NJ) Institution/Organization : Rutgers University-Newark State : New Jersey Area of Impact: Access Program Focus : Other, Holistic student support Learn More : https://hllc.newark.rutgers.edu/ SOAR: Summer Orientation and Registration | Aurora University (IL) Institution/Organization : Aurora University State: Illinois Area of Impact: Retention Program Focus : First Year Support Learn More : https://aurora.edu/student-life/orientation/summer.html

Excelencia in Education is committed to accelerating Latino college completion while increasing for all. Our analysis shows persistent gaps between Latino and White students in Texas, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Texas Nationally, the gap in degree completion between Latinos and their White peers continues. To make our country stronger and meet the economy’s demand for a highly educated workforce, we must ensure access to quality higher education for Latino, and all, students. This requires accelerating Latino degree completion, increasing completion for all students, and scaling programs and initiatives proven to support Latino, and all, student success. The following demographics, institutional data, and practices inform Latino degree attainment. To find out more, scroll below. DOWNLOAD FACT SHEET Degree Attainment for Latino Students (2026) 26% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 52% Of White adults Fast Facts Texas had the 2nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 48% K-12 Population 40% Total Population Enrollment 18% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 42 White Median Income $33,737 Without a college degree $65,146 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 5%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Texas. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Texas. Top Institutions Enrolling and Graduating Hispanic Undergraduates, 2026 Rank Institution Name Sector Total Enrollment Hispanic Enrollment % Hispanic Enrollment Total Completions Hispanic Completions % Hispanic Completions 1 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Public, 4-year or above 27,026 25,338 94% 4,810 4,530 94% 2 Lone Star College System Public, 4-year or above 47,486 21,532 45% 8,790 3,685 42% 3 Dallas College Public, 4-year or above 41,815 20,761 50% 7,729 3,973 51% 4 El Paso Community College Public, 2-year 22,893 19,005 83% 3,321 2,850 86% 5 The University of Texas at San Antonio Public, 4-year or above 29,675 18,170 61% 5,880 3,441 59% BACK TO MAIN LCC PAGE 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 U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates. Excelencia in Education analysis using U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2023 Fall Enrollment, Graduation Rates Survey, and Institutional Characteristics Survey.

This brief summarizes practices from 12 stop Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) improving access, retention, and academic achievement of Latino, and all, students. < Back Modeling Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Campus Practices That Work for Latino Students Deborah A. Santiago May 2008 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview This report focuses on successful practices at 12 top-ranked Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) working to increase Latino, and all, student success. Designed to provide a closer view of effective leadership, institutional practices, and guiding principles supporting Latino, and all, student success, this report offers promising ideas and strategies for all U.S. colleges and universities to bolster results for Latino students. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

William Heineman is President of North Shore Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page North Shore Community College William Heineman President Institution website: https://www.northshore.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.northshore.edu/news/2021/heineman_5th_president.html William Heineman is President of North Shore Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

This brief expands knowledge on Texas Latino students while providing higher education institutions and policymakers with information to help more Latinos graduate. < Back Framing, Not Blaming: Improving Latino College Transfer in Texas Deborah A. Santiago ; Eyra A. Pérez ; Noé C. Ortiz November 2017 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Framing, Not Blaming: Improving Latino College Transfer in Texas expands knowledge about Latino, and all, students in Texas while providing higher education institutions and policymakers across the country with actionable information to help more students graduate. Stakeholders in Texas have diverse strategies to improve the pathways to college completion. However, too often discussion on transfer pathways focus on segments and stakeholders to blame for breaks in the pathway. The purpose of this brief is twofold: 1) to reframe the options to improve college pathways from blame to shared ownership and action, and, 2) to support discussions translating effective institutional practices into policy strategies that can improve the transfer pathway for Latino and other post-traditional students in Texas. Core to this project and brief is new analysis of current transfer processes, practices and policies in the state and at the following Texas institutional pairs: Alamo Colleges and The University of Texas at San Antonio Austin Community College and Texas State University El Paso Community College and The University of Texas at El Paso Houston Community College and the University of Houston The following areas between and within institutions are where state policy may improve Latino student transfer and success: transferability of credits , data sharing , access to financial aid , and, faculty involvement . The project and brief were supported by the Greater Texas Foundation to apply the findings from an earlier national project to the development of policy approaches to improve Latino student transfer and success. Hear directly from stakeholders including: Jacob Fraire , President & CEO, Texas Association of Community Colleges Donna Ekal , Associate Provost, University of Texas at El Paso Francisco Solis , Dean of Performance Excellence, San Antonio College Virginia Fraire , Vice President of Student Services, Austin Community College Garrett Groves , Economic Opportunity Program Director, Center for Public Policy Priorities Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Christopher Maynard is President of Texas A&M International University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Texas A&M International University Christopher Maynard President Institution website: https://www.tamiu.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/2025/09/tamiumaynardpresident91825.shtml Christopher Maynard is President of Texas A&M International University and part of Excelencia in Action network.