< Back to News Page Business and Education Trailblazers Chosen to Lead Board of National Nonprofit Accelerating Latino Student Success While Increasing All Student Success Feb 11, 2025 Contact: Media@EdExcelencia.org DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE Results Focused Leaders in Education, Industry, and Policy Advance the Talents of the Latino Community on Excelencia in Education’s Board of Directors WASHINGTON, D.C. ( February 11 , 202 5 ) – Excelencia in Education, the nation’s leading organization focused on accelerating Latino student success, while increasing all student success in higher education, announce d today two respected change agents in business and higher education will lead its board of directors in 2025. With decades of combined experience in postsecondary education, the private sector, and policy, the full 10-member board will contribute their expertise and vision as Excelencia continues to increase Latinos’ degree attainment through 2030. “ Excelencia remains steadfast in growing Latino excellence through higher education,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia . “We are honored our chair, vice chair, and the full board keep Excelencia at the forefront in shaping the national agenda for expanding Latino talent for the workforce and civic leadership. By informing, catalyzing, and highlighting the colleges and universities that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students, Excelencia serves our country.” The leaders of Excelencia’s board of directors in 2025 are: Board Chair: Massey Villarreal , chief executive officer and president of Precision Task Group, Inc., is a respected business leader and 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. Board Vice Chair: Elizabeth Béjar serves as provost, executive vice president, and chief operating officer of Florida International University, one of 46 institutions that has earned the Seal of Excelencia for striving to go beyond enrollment to intentionally SERVE Latino students. Dr. Béjar is a key member of the university’s executive leadership, overseeing an annual budget of approximately $1.4 billion and providing strategic oversight of the institution’s academic and student success portfolio. Her expertise lies in understanding the changing landscape of higher education; working to propel the value proposition of higher education with intentionality and through the lens of student learning and success and research excellence. Dr. Bejar leads critical strategic initiatives, including the development of the university’s 2030 Strategic Plan, along with an implementation plan to further FIU’s mission to curate a meaningful student experience that leads to excellent outcomes. She joined FIU in 2003 and has held several key leadership positions. Since its founding in 2004, Excelencia in Education has improved Latino, and all, students’ higher education achievement through a portfolio linking leadership, data, and evidence-based practices. The organization’s national Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network comprises over 200 college and university presidents and chancellors, representing only 6% of institutions yet enrolling 33% and graduating 35% of Latino students nationwide. Additionally, Excelencia conducts analysis on issues impacting Latino students’ college journeys and promotes evidence-based practices advancing success to inform policy and compel action. “As a business leader, I know Excelencia in Education’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education is essential in keeping America first in the global economy,” said Massey Villarreal, chief executive officer and president of Precision Task Group, Inc ., and chair of Excelencia’s board of directors. “Working with colleges and universities in our national network that intentionally serve Latino, and all, students grows talent that will translate into a skilled workforce and capable leadership.” The other members of the executive committee are: Carlos E. Santiago , past chair, commissioner emeritus of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr. , secretary/treasurer, former chief advocacy officer at Ascension Texas Sarita E. Brown , co-founder and president of Excelencia in Education The other leaders in Excelencia’s board are: Audrey Dow , partner at Secoya Affect Maria Harper-Marinick , senior fellow at the Aspen Institute Andrés Henríquez , director of STEM education strategy, US Division, at Education Development Center, Inc. Juan Sánchez Muñoz , chancellor of the University of California, Merced Havidán Rodríguez , president of the University at Albany, State University of New York “The leaders on Excelencia’s board bring diverse perspectives and share a commitment to transforming higher education to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive,” said Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia . “They are taking responsibility for increasing Latinos’ degree attainment with the understanding that doing so benefits everyone.” Meet the Excelencia in Education Board of Directors : EdExcelencia.org/about/our-people About Excelencia in Education Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org

Taylor Eighmy is President of The University of Texas at San Antonio and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page The University of Texas at San Antonio Taylor Eighmy President Institution website: https://www.utsa.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.utsa.edu/president/biography/ Taylor Eighmy is President of The University of Texas at San Antonio and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Recertified Institution: 2023-2026 The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a Hispanic serving research university that serves nearly 30,000 undergraduate students, 61% of whom are Latino. UTSA is committed to becoming a Hispanic thriving institution, supporting the San Antonio community through: the enhancement of an educated workforce; the application of knowledge to solve societal grand challenges; the development of new innovations, businesses and social programs; and the preparation of the next generation of Hispanic leaders.

Excelencia’s affordability recommendations compel policymakers to expand access to excellence by reducing financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without unmanageable debt. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: College Affordability Excelencia in Education June 2025 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students leverage cost-saving measures to make college more affordable (e.g., working while enrolled, enrolling part-time, mixing their enrollment, etc.), and they balance many financial decisions when pursuing a college education–supporting their families, covering transportation costs, and weighing the opportunity cost of lost wages. Policy solutions and institutional practices must reduce prices and other financial barriers to ensure students can earn a degree without incurring unmanageable debt. Excelencia in Education prioritizes: Increasing Transparent Financial Literacy: Expanding efforts by states, institutions, and other key actors to provide resources and tools so that students and families fully understand the real costs of college and the financial resources available to them. Fostering Low-Debt Education: Advocating for policies that prioritize need-based grants over loans and include basic needs—such as childcare, food, transportation and housing—within the true cost of attendance. Lowering the Price of Education: Supporting and incentivizing institutions to lower prices and contain costs to students while investing in academic excellence. How can policy help Latino, and all, students afford a degree? Incentivize FAFSA completion to increase access to financial aid. Reduce unmet financial need to pay for college by including basic needs in financial aid calculations. Strengthen the Pell Grant and make it a fully mandatory program . Revise the Federal Work-Study distribution formula to more strategically support students with high financial need, reduce administrative burdens to program participation, and increase funding for the program. Featured Publications Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Dorian Díaz serves as Director of Capacity Building of Excelencia in Education. Dorian leads the implementation of Excelencia’s technical assistance strategy that includes institutes, pláticas, webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. < Back to Our People Page Dorian Díaz Director of Capacity Building Excelencia in Education Email: ddiaz@edexcelencia.org Current Position: Dorian serves as the Director of Capacity Building as part of the Institutional Capacity team and is responsible for leading the implementation of Excelencia’s technical assistance strategy that includes institutes, pláticas , webinars, and tools for institutional teams to support their transformational progress to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. In addition, he oversees the case management, informational methods, and strategies to assist institutions with improving access, retention, and completion of Latino students by facilitating their progress. Past Experiences: Dorian has dedicated more than 15 years to education and intends to make that a lifelong commitment. Prior to joining Excelencia , he worked in higher education helping students participate in high impact practices outside of the traditional classroom experience. In addition to his higher education work, Dorian has non-profit experience from his time with LNESC, where he focused on educational and leadership opportunities for K-12 Latino students. Dorian also served in the Peace Corps, providing community economic development working with women’s groups on business start-up strategies and teaching English in El Abanico, Costa Rica. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success resonated with me given my desire to ensure that Latino, and all, students’ success is constantly being pushed to the front of the agenda of higher education institutions. I remember navigating higher education as a first-generation college student; it was quite daunting. Add in the fact that the majority of faculty, staff, and students didn’t look like me, it made for a difficult and confusing journey. The experience shouldn’t have to be like this, which is why I’m passionate about the cause and believe in the Excelencia way. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Each day is a rewarding experience. Working with like-minded individuals, who are passionate about Latino student success and always striving to improve, makes working at Excelencia such a welcoming environment.

Jennifer Gomez-Chavez serves as Vice President for Institutional Engagement of Excelencia in Education. Jennifer supports the advancement of institutional transformation to intentionally serve Latino students through engaging with institutions and their leaders to connect them to Excelencia’s programs, services, resources and research. < Back to Our People Page Jennifer Gomez-Chavez Vice President for Institutional Engagement Excelencia in Education Email: jgomez-chavez@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Jennifer supports the advancement of institutional transformation to intentionally serve Latino students through engaging with institutions and their leaders to connect them to Excelencia ’s programs, services, resources and research. She facilitates a network of affiliates through outreach strategies, engaging them in learning communities, keeping them informed about policy issues, and ensuring that they receive support to advance their efforts. Portfolio includes: Excelencia in Action, Affiliate Engagement in the network, Policy, Liaison for Institutional programs and practitioners, and Liaison for Emerging HSIs. Past Experiences: Jennifer Gomez-Chavez is a native New Mexican born and raised in Hagerman, a small rural farming community. Jennifer has 30 years of experience working with low-income, and students from underrepresented backgrounds through her positions with the LULAC National Educational Service Center and the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque. She holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice, a Master’s in Counseling, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Jennifer retired from the University of New Mexico where she spent 27 years in various roles that include: Special Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at UNM Health Sciences Center and main campus, Executive Director of the Unidos Project, Central Region Director for ENLACE New Mexico, Director of Collective Impact Initiatives and an adjunct faculty member. She led the first Title V grant at UNM main campus and was named as the inaugural Director of Student Success for the university. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? My passion has been focused on the success of students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, first generation, low-income and rural communities which is aligned to Excelencia 's mission and goals. I believe in the critical work that Excelencia has been undergoing for the last 18 years, and I want to be part of transforming institutions. My hope is to help institutions transform to be "student ready" and educate and empower the present and future generations of Latino students to dream big and achieve their highest goals. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? It is exciting to be working for an organization that is leading nationally on Latino student success. I feel honored to be part of an incredible team that is committed to building a national movement based on data, practice and leadership to transform higher education institutions and support practitioners in their efforts to accelerate Latino student success.

Excelencia is the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, building momentum to improve Latino, and all, students’ achievement through innovation across three key areas: Leadership, Data, and Practice. Our Approach What We Do Excelencia in Education is a trusted source of information on contemporary issues in higher education and a national leader catalyzing colleges and universities to become more student-centered in their strategies and practices. We focus on four key elements of transforming higher education to produce measurable outcomes for our students, institutions, and the nation’s workforce: Leadership: Excelencia leads a national network of higher education leaders, practitioners, and supporters committed to ensuring students earn a quality education. Over 141 institutions affiliated with Excelencia in Action (E-Action) disproportionately enroll and graduate Latino, and all, students, growing talent for our workforce. Among them, 45 have earned the Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating continuous improvement in student outcomes. Data: Excelencia establishes a foundation of knowledge on issues influencing student success to catalyze institutions, advance effective policies, and compel action. This includes annual analysis of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and seminal research on college affordability and workforce pathways . Practice: Excelencia identifies and promotes evidence-based programs at the forefront of improving higher educational achievement. Premier in this work is Examples of Excelencia , the only national effort to recognize programs with evidence of effectiveness in increasing Latino, and all, students’ success. Our community of practice grows what works to facilitate access to excellence in higher education. Capacity Building: Excelencia partners with institutions to strengthen and reinforce their capacity to more intentionally serve Latino students, leading to excellence for all students. Our capacity building programming meets institutions where they are in their transformation and helps them communicate impact and position themselves for funding opportunities. SEE OUR IMPACT How We Do It Accelerating Latino student success is Excelencia’s mission, and confianza is how we do it. Excelencia was born from our commitment to change the narrative about Latino college students from a focus on deficit-oriented diagnoses and intractable achievement gaps to a focus on asset-based opportunities to accelerate Latino student success. We believe that what describes us does not divide us — unless we let it happen. We frame serving Latinos as an opportunity — not to exclude others, but to transform institutions in a way that can benefit all. Confianza embodies elements of trust, responsibility, and mutual respect. Through an ongoing process of communication, collaboration, and innovation, we act as a trusted partner, facilitator, and guide for colleges and universities considering how they strengthen their efforts to more intentionally SERVE Latino students. LEARN MORE Our Tactical Plan for Latino Student Success Latinos represent one of the fastest growing populations nationally and within higher education. Excelencia has developed a tactical plan to intentionally serve Latino, and all, students with the understanding that doing so ultimately serves our country: Design a national acceleration plan for Latino students in higher education Advocate publicly societal benefits for raising Latinos’ degree completion [Policy Agenda ] Track degree completion goals and measures of progress [Latino College Completion: U.S. ] Replicate and expand institutional practices that are working for Latino students [Examples of Excelencia ] Build a community of common cause [Excelencia in Action network ] Align and deliver educational support efforts to institutions [Technical Assistance Institutes ] Increase support and accountability for institutions intentionally serving Latino students [Seal of Excelencia ] Evolve efforts to support institutional transformation as a trusted intermediary

Madelyn Lucas serves as a Policy Analyst of Excelencia in Education. Madelyn leverages data and evidence-based practices that inform Excelencia in Education’s policy portfolio to accelerate Latino student success. < Back to Our People Page Madelyn Lucas Policy Analyst Excelencia in Education Email: mlucas@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As Policy Analyst, Madelyn leverages data and evidence-based practices that inform Excelencia in Education’s policy portfolio to accelerate Latino student success. Working with the Research team, Madelyn uses current data and the contemporary context of Latinos in higher education to develop Excelencia’s institutional, state, and federal policy recommendations focused on four core issue areas: affordability, retention and transfer, institutional capacity, and workforce development. In this role, Madelyn supports work on institutional transformation by leveraging institutional efforts through the Seal of Excelencia , and also engages with Excelencia’s key stakeholders, including Excelencia’s network of affiliates, congressional staff, and other policy-focused organizations. Past Experiences: Madelyn’s passion for higher education policy was sparked by her experiences as a New Mexico native and first-generation college student. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she interned with the New Mexico Legislature and tracked a wide spectrum of policies during the state’s virtual legislative session. Madelyn later interned with the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation and contributed to fundraising efforts that aimed to support the advancement and preservation of Hispanic art and culture. Madelyn began her journey with Excelencia as Engagement Coordinator, working closely with the Presidents for Latino Student Success network. Then, as a graduate student, she interned with the Committee on Education and the Workforce at the U.S. House of Representatives, researching contemporary K-12 and higher education policies. Madelyn earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New Mexico and her Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Reflecting on the opportunities that higher education has provided me, I strongly believe that our nation’s future depends on closing equity gaps in educational outcomes. While education has important economic benefits, I also believe that it fosters compassion and provides opportunities for civic engagement. Engaging in national efforts to address post-traditional pathways and ensure Latino students are prepared for the workforce is such a privilege, and what sets Excelencia apart is how we uplift evidence-based practices and meet institutions where they are. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? I am fortunate to collaborate closely with talented and passionate individuals who are eager to work in common cause, support the growth of one another, and celebrate individual and team wins. There is a strong sense of confianza that makes Excelencia’s team special. I feel blessed to be part of an organization where my “why” so closely aligns with my day-to-day work.

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 Nebraska, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Nebraska 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) 27% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 50% Of White adults Fast Facts Nebraska had the 35th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 19% K-12 Population 13% Total Population Enrollment 15% Latino Students 26% White Students Median Age 25 Latinos 41 White Median Income $39,508 Without a college degree $59,853 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 13%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Nebraska. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 14%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Nebraska. 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 University of Nebraska at Omaha Public, 4-year or above 11,573 1,992 17% 2,414 133 6% 2 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Public, 4-year or above 18,887 1,717 9% 4,262 303 7% 3 Bellevue University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 10,426 1,585 15% 1,875 238 13% 4 Metropolitan Community College Area Public, 2-year 7,629 1,456 19% 1,383 194 14% 5 Central Community College Public, 2-year 3,206 1,018 32% 702 174 25% 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.

John Keenan is President of Salem State University and a President for Latino Student Success. < Back to E-Action Main Page Salem State University John Keenan President Institution website: https://www.salemstate.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.salemstate.edu/salem-state-difference/presidents-office/john-d-keenan-biography John Keenan is President of Salem State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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.

Emily Labandera serves as Director of Research of Excelencia in Education. Emily leads research and project coordination that furthers Excelencia’s portfolio of policy, programs, and practice to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. < Back to Our People Page Emily Labandera Director of Research Excelencia in Education Email: elabandera@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: As Director of Research, Emily leads research and project coordination that furthers Excelencia ’s portfolio of policy, programs, and practice to accelerate Latino student success in higher education. She conducts research and data analysis on topics related to Latinos in higher education; project manages several ongoing projects that inform public policy and institutional practice and develops dissemination plans for research publications; collaborates, coordinates, and supports research colleagues in their efforts as it relates to practice and research; coordinates across teams and portfolios for organizational work and deliverables; and, evolves and maintains key relationships with partner organizations, funders, practitioners, and institutions to advance Excelencia ’s research agenda. Past Experiences: Emily’s path in higher education policy was sparked by her personal experiences as a first-generation and STEM undergraduate student. Upon deciding on a career change to that of public service and being a change agent, Emily pursued public policy in her graduate studies. During her graduate studies, she focused on higher education policy and research and interned at Education Reform Now and Excelencia in Education. Emily earned her Master of Public Policy from George Washington University in 2019, which prepared her with the necessary skills to think critically and analyze higher education data and policy deeply at national, state, and local levels. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Excelencia ’s core mission of accelerating Latino student success in higher education to enhance our workforce, leadership, and economy, the vision and leadership of Excelencia ’s leaders, and the knowledge that our efforts push the needle forward in service of our comunidad are all part of the why I bring my talent to Excelencia . Our collective effort in transforming higher education to be a more equitable place for Latino, and all, students is the factor that motivates me every day to work alongside my colleagues and our leadership. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia is an enriching, collaborative, and rewarding experience. Across the entire team at Excelencia , we share a deep-rooted stewardship of mission in serving our community. The passion and effort are palpable amongst our team, making it an honor to work here.

This brief identifies the top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos in health, and highlights evidence-based practices to increase Latino student success. < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health Excelencia in Education March 2024 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has served its mission to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education in order to address the country’s need for a highly educated workforce and civic leadership. Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health represents the latest extension of Excelencia’s hallmark work of bringing national attention to higher education institutions and practices advancing Latino talent, strengthening our economy, and ensuring America’s future. Healthcare occupations are projected to increase over the next decade. As the demand for healthcare professionals increases, Latinos are increasing their representation in healthcare positions. Despite their increased representation, Latinos are more likely to be in healthcare support occupations rather than in healthcare management or professional occupation that offer higher salaries. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in health. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in health are: NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate and Associate) Western Governors University in Utah (Baccalaureate) Miami Regional University in Florida (Master’s) Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey (Doctorate) Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional) Strategies for institutions and employers to link Latino graduates to the workforce include: Invest in high-wage, high-demand career pathways by developing stackable credentials in collaboration with employers and funding short-term career programs. Provide transition services between completion and employment or graduate school, including financial and mental health support. Connect the Latino talent pipeline to employers by recruiting graduates for internal employment opportunities and leveraging partnerships with employers. Suggested Citation: Santiago, D., Labandera, E., Arroyo, C., & Nour, S.R. (February 2024). Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Health . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce