Carlos Hernandez is President of Sul Ross State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Sul Ross State University Carlos Hernandez President Institution website: https://www.sulross.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.sulross.edu/dr-carlos-hernandez-named-interim-president-of-sul-ross-state-university/ Carlos Hernandez is President of Sul Ross State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is a small, diverse community that values personal interactions, with the mission to deliver quality undergraduate and graduate education. SRSU is a Hispanic-serving public institution located in Alpine, Texas with instructional sites along the U.S.-Mexico borderlands in Del Rio, Eagle Pass, and Uvalde, serving 13 counties as the only public university. SRSU has a 97% acceptance rate with 68% of its students being Latino.

This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, success, and completion at 8 Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). < Back Reality Check: Hispanic-Serving Institutions on the Texas Border Strategizing Financial Aid Deborah A. Santiago January 2011 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication Executive Summary SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview As Latino representation in U.S. higher education grows, a reality check of institutional practices that support Latino, and all, students' access, persistence, and graduation is needed. This brief examines financial aid strategies aimed at increasing enrollment, academic success and degree completion at eight Texas Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) located along the U.S.-Mexico border serving low-income communities. These institutions rank among the top institutions, both statewide and nationally, in enrolling and graduating Latino students: Texas A&M International University The University of Texas at Brownsville The University of Texas at El Paso The University of Texas Pan American Laredo Community College Texas Southmost College El Paso County Community College District South Texas College Understanding what influences Latino students' financial aid choices and which institutional practices are effective in enrolling, retaining, and graduating Latino students amongst all is directly relevant to other institutions that are only beginning to experience growth in the number of their non-traditional students. The findings of this brief are intended to inform the programs and services at institutions with growing Hispanic enrollment, as well as state and federal policymakers addressing the broader growth of Hispanic students throughout higher education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Britt Rios-Ellis is President of California State University, Stanislaus and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University, Stanislaus Britt Rios-Ellis President Institution website: https://www.csustan.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csustan.edu/president#:~:text=Britt%20Rios%2DEllis%2C%20M.S.%2C,of%20California%20State%20University%2C%20Stanislaus Britt Rios-Ellis is President of California State University, Stanislaus and part of Excelencia in Action network.

< Back to News Page Four Higher Education Programs Recognized for Their Exemplary Work in Advancing Latino, and all, Student Success Sep 30, 2024 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Excelencia in Education Recognizes the 2024 Examples of Excelencia, Amplifying Evidence-Based Practices That Work for Latino, and All, Students WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 30, 2024) – In our 20th year identifying and promoting what works for Latino, and all, students in higher education, Excelencia in Education announced today four programs recognized as the 2024 Examples of Excelencia . These programs exemplify what is possible when higher education institutions and community-based organizations intentionally serve Latino, and all, students on their journey to and through college. The 2024 Examples are addressing academic barriers, creating a sense of belonging, increasing affordability, providing experiential learning opportunities, and investing in wrap-around services that improve higher education outcomes. Each year, four Examples of Excelencia are selected from the associate, baccalaureate, graduate, and community-based organization levels for their intentionality and evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino student success. The 2024 Examples emerged from 345 nominations from 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, 103 program submissions, and 18 finalists. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are: English for Academic Purposes , Reading Area Community College – Reading, PA (Associate Level) The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) , Washington State University – Pullman, WA (Baccalaureate Level) Project upGRADS , California State University, Fullerton – Fullerton, CA (Graduate Level) Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed , The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. – Immokalee, FL (Community-Based Organization Level) “We must make a positive difference in the lives of our college students who trust us to help them meet their education goals. The 2024 Examples of Excelencia are proof there is good work implemented around the country," said Adriana Rodriguez, COO and vice president for institutional programs at Excelencia in Education. “These programs model what other institutions and organizations can implement in their own communities.” Examples of Excelencia is the only national, data-driven effort to identify, aggregate, and promote evidence-based practices increasing Latino, and all, student success in higher education. Since 2005, Excelencia has received over 2,000 program submissions, recognized over 400 programs for their impact, and raised and awarded over $2 million to programs making a positive difference for Latino, and all, students across the country. A committee of diverse higher education leaders selected the 2024 Examples of Excelencia to showcase innovative programming and proven practices that support Latino and other post-traditional students academically, financially, and socially. These programs serve as replicable models of cultural responsiveness that lead to credit and degree completion, which in turn supports Latino families and communities to ensure America’s future. Programs selected annually as Examples of Excelencia and finalists are featured online in Excelencia’s Growing What Works Database — the only national, searchable database for institutional leaders, funders, policymakers, and others interested in evidence-based programming for Latino, and all, students. This year’s Examples of Excelencia will be honored at the organization’s annual Celebración de Excelencia in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the 2024 Examples of Excelencia : https://www.edexcelencia.org/what-works/examples-excelencia/annual-examples-excelencia 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

Ellen J. Neufeldt is President of California State University-San Marcos and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page California State University-San Marcos Ellen J. Neufeldt President Institution website: https://www.csusm.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.csusm.edu/president/about/bio.html Ellen J. Neufeldt is President of California State University-San Marcos and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2024-2027 California State University, San Marcos (CSUSM) is a regional university located in North San Diego County dedicated to serving nearly 16,000 students, of which 52% of undergraduates identify as Latino. CSUSM is committed to providing accessible, top-tier education to the Latino community and other underserved groups while addressing their unique needs. CSUSM prioritizes social mobility because it has a transformative impact on individuals, families, and communities, empowering students to unlock their full potential for lifelong success by overcoming barriers that may have hindered earlier generations.

Lynne Murray is President of McMurry University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page McMurry University Lynne Murray President Institution website: https://mcm.edu/ Bio Page: https://mcm.edu/news/mcmurry-university-announces-11th-university-president/ Lynne Murray is President of McMurry University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia collaborated with 4 Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and their employer partners to learn how they prepare Latino students for the workforce. < Back Tapping Latino Talent: How HSIs are Preparing Latino Students for the Workforce Janette Martinez; Deborah A. Santiago July 2020 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Institutions that know who they are serving, like the ones featured in this report, can more readily adapt to serve their students best - especially in challenging times. Latinos’ degree attainment and skill development are important to our nation’s need for a competitive workforce and strong civic leadership. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) enroll the majority of Latino students (67%) and thus can play an integral part in Latino students’ academic success and workforce preparation. Trendsetting HSIs are continuously adapting their efforts to support students’ strengths and meet their needs. Excelencia in Education collaborated with practitioners at four trendsetting HSIs and their employer partners to learn how they are preparing their students to enter into the workforce and remain competitive: Felician University (New Jersey) Florida International University (Florida) CUNY Lehman College (New York) Texas Woman’s University (Texas) This brief was ready to be released before the Covid-19 pandemic. Excelencia followed up with the leaders of these four institutions to learn how they shifted their efforts in order to serve their students. Findings: Five strategies to SERVE that were consistent across the institutions are detailed in this brief: Workforce preparation is a goal across campus, not just the role of the career services offices. The institutions have adapted to changes in workforce demands and changes in their student bodies. Institutions are emphasizing experiential learning opportunities in and outside the classroom to expand access to hands-on learning. Institutions are revamping their workforce efforts based on data and using data to continually evolve. The institutions work with local employers to meet the needs of the region and make the transition from school to work easier for their students. Webinar Presenters: Deborah Santiago , CEO, Excelencia in Education (moderator) Janette Martinez , Senior Policy and Research Analyst, Excelencia in Education Nicolas Valencia Diaz , Biomedical Engineering student, Florida International University Patricia Roe , Vice President of Philanthropy, Strada Education Network Mark Rosenberg , President, Florida International University and Excelencia President for Latino Student Success Webinar-Presentation-Tapping-Latino-Talent .pdf Download PDF • 2.11MB Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

** is President of University of Houston-Downtown and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Houston-Downtown ** President Institution website: https://www.uhd.edu/ Bio Page: ** is President of University of Houston-Downtown and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Tracy Hartzler is President of Central New Mexico Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Central New Mexico Community College Tracy Hartzler President Institution website: https://www.cnm.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.cnm.edu/about-cnm/president/presidents-biography Tracy Hartzler is President of Central New Mexico Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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

Hear from Presidents' perspectives how they are leading higher education transformation to SERVE Latinos. Presidential Perspectives: The Seal of Excelencia Leading Higher Education Transformation for Student Success What does the Seal stand for among higher education leaders? Presidents and chancellors of the trendsetting colleges and universities certified with the Seal of Excelencia have taken responsibility for advancing Latino, and all, student success, and they are ensuring America’s future. Each looks beyond enrollment to establish and implement student-centered, data-informed strategies and practices that lead to continuous improvement in student success to degree completion and beyond. Intentionally Improving Student Outcomes Where does intentionality fit into Seal-certified institutions’ student success efforts? The Seal of Excelencia requires institutions to demonstrate continuous improvement in Latino, and all, student success through the intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership. This begins with knowing who they are serving, not serving, and intend to serve, and it ensures students succeed because of their institution — not despite it. " The requirement for being a Hispanic-Serving Institution is really just about enrollment, but that says nothing about success, nothing about intentionally serving those who historically have been underserved by higher education. Excelencia asks you to do more. We want to be surrounded by institutions that are committed to that success. " - Heather Wilson , President, The University of Texas at El Paso " The Seal of Excelencia has provided Long Beach City College with the framework for understanding how to be intentional in serving Latino students. We started to experiment with different types of strategies that we really saw create a new level of impact in our student success outcomes. Combining that with the framework for the Seal of Excelencia , it’s really allowed us to accelerate this work in terms of improving outcomes for Latino students. " - Mike Muñoz , Superintendent-President, Long Beach City College and President in Residence, Excelencia in Education Ensuring Our Country’s Future How does the Seal propel institutions, and the U.S., toward a brighter future? Seal of Excelencia certified institutions demonstrate positive impact on student outcomes before and beyond graduation — extending to career preparation and success. In growing Latino talent amongst all, they meet the U.S. economy’s need for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. " When we invest in Latino students, we're not just investing in our community. We're investing in the future of the region, which is also the future of California and the United States. " - Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval , President, Fresno State University Collaborating in Common Cause Why is working together in common cause important for Seal-certified institutions? The 45 trendsetting colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia share a powerful commitment to Latino, and all, student success. As leaders in Excelencia’s community of practice, they work together to advance strategies and practices that strengthen individual and collective efforts. Though they represent a small percentage of all institutions, these colleges and universities disproportionately enroll and graduate Latino, and all, students — leading in degree completion across the nation. " I believe that our partnership and the work that we're doing with Excelencia helps elevate our faculty and our staff that are working diligently to implement and execute on those strategies. Being part of an ecosystem that is sharing data, looking at best practices, and developing new strategies makes us all better and stronger. " -Madeline Pumariega , President, Miami Dade College Serving All as a National Imperative What does it mean to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success? We must close gaps in degree attainment to meet our nation’s need for an educated citizenry and workforce. Seal-certified institutions understand that this work is not a zero-sum game. In making their campuses places where Latino students thrive, they strengthen their capacity to ensure all students thrive " We have an obligation to educate the entirety of the public… including, of course, Latinos. We firmly believe that intentional, deliberate interventions that improve the educational outcomes of Latinos also have secondary implications for all students in a very positive way. " - Juan Sánchez Muñoz , Chancellor, University of California, Merced An Ongoing Journey To Latino, and All, Student Success Why do institutional leaders begin and continue their journeys to and beyond Seal certification? The Seal provides a framework that sets institutions on the journey of transformation necessary to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. That means supporting institutions at the start of their journey toward Seal certification to evaluate their efforts, as well as ensuring those further along in their journey sustain progress and continue to deliver on their commitment to Latino, and all, student success. " Recertification was very meaningful to us at ASU because it confirmed that we are upholding our commitment to serve Latino students in all the ways that Excelencia has outlined for us. It also allowed us to evaluate our strengths and… continue to push on the agenda to advance and accelerate Latino higher education success. " -Nancy Gonzalez , Executive Vice President and University Provost, Arizona State University " Excelencia , and the two-year journey in particular, has really revved up our folks to look at data across the board. We're creating these wonderful personas that Excelencia has taught us to do, thinking about, what are the life circumstances of different students? And then tracing how we might meet with different academic programs to think about their reaction to what they could do to support those students. " -Nancy Cantor , President, Hunter College The Seal of Excelencia represents more than recognition. It is a catalyst for transformation that increases student success, a unifying call to meet our national goals, a driver of accountability and value in higher education, and a clear signal of positive impact and trust for students, families, and communities. Are you ready to join these higher education trailblazers and harness the power of the Seal on your campus? START YOUR JOURNEY

< Back to News Page College Affordability Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders Inform National Efforts to Serve Latino, and All, Students Jun 26, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE New Excelencia in Education Brief Highlights Recommendations Informed by Nine Trendsetting Institutions Ensuring Financial Access to Quality Education WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 26, 2025) – Excelencia in Education, the premier authority on accelerating Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education, released today a brief highlighting perspectives from stakeholders in three areas: 1) how Latino students in Texas make cost-conscious decisions to pay for college, 2) how trendsetting Texas institutions are making college more affordable, and 3) how state and federal policy can further improve college affordability. Drawing from interviews, the brief identifies affordability challenges and solutions from Texas college students, administrators, and leaders that inform national efforts to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students by ensuring financial access to a quality education. “Trendsetting institutions that commit to affordability and a strong return on investment for graduates, like those that have earned the Seal of Excelencia , exemplify how intentional leadership and support can deliver quality, affordable education for Latino, and all, students,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “In turn, understanding how college students and leaders propose addressing affordability can inform and compel action to meet basic needs, contain costs, and support student success.” The brief, “ College Affordability: Insights and Solutions from Texas Students and Postsecondary Leaders ,” presents detailed information on the affordability experiences of Latino students — the largest student group in Texas — as well as other post-traditional students. It also outlines recommendations from students, administrators, and leaders aligned with four areas shaping college affordability: Paying for College: Students are pragmatic and seek debt-free solutions such as grants, scholarships, and work-study over loans to pay for college, while administrators see loans as tools supporting persistence. Despite diverging perspectives, both emphasize the urgency of maximizing income-based aid. Students recommend institutions provide income-based scholarships and flexible payment plans. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers cover tuition for students whose families earn less than $100,000 annually — double the current income threshold for which Texas covers tuition — and that federal policy expand Pell Grant support and adjust lifetime limits. Navigating Support Systems: Students report the most useful information comes not from centralized financial aid offices but academic departments, where they have personal relationships. They recommend institutions strengthen first-year support by enhancing advising structures. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers make financial education a requirement for graduation. Addressing Basic Needs: Basic needs and non-tuition expenses, including housing, food, and transportation, pose significant barriers to college access and success. Students we interviewed often navigate these barriers independently, commuting long distances, relying on SNAP benefits, and sacrificing one need to afford another. They recommend institutions offer more affordable housing, dining, and parking options. Administrators and leaders recommend policymakers control the cost and availability of off-campus housing and improve transportation systems. Applying for Financial Aid: Texas continues to lead nationally in institutionalizing financial aid completion through its policy mandating Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission as a condition for high school graduation. However, the recent simplification of the FAFSA introduced significant challenges. Students and administrators stress that timely, accessible, and equitable aid processes are essential for maintaining affordability and student trust in higher education. Excelencia engaged students, administrators, and leaders from nine institutions in Texas that have earned the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification for institutions that strive to go beyond enrollment to intentionally serve Latino students: 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 With this brief, Excelencia builds on over 20 years of effort to examine institutional policy and practice as well as federal and state policy to ensure college is affordable for Latino, and all, students. Earlier this year, the organization released “ How Latinos Pay for College: 2025 National Trends ,” a comprehensive analysis of how Latino students leverage financial aid and institutions ensure degrees are affordable. Access the full brief: EdExcelencia.org/research/publications/college-affordability-insights-and-solutions-from-texas-students-and-postsecondary-leaders 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