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.

With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that are exemplary in the way they intentionally and effectively serve Latino students. Annual Examples of Excelencia Evidence-Based Programs That Are Intentional In SERVING Latino, And All, Students: With the belief that good policy is informed by good practice, Excelencia brings national attention to programs that exemplify an intentional commitment to advancing Latino and other post-traditional students in higher education. These programs demonstrate evidence-based practices that can inform and guide student-centered efforts. Learn more about each of the Examples of Excelencia . 2025 Examples of Excelencia : The 2025 Examples of Excelencia are building faculty pipelines, providing holistic supports that help students earn degrees and credentials, connecting classroom learning to in-demand jobs, and offering research and mentorship experiences that foster persistence, completion, and career success. Together, these programs demonstrate the power of intentional design in facilitating access to excellence for all students. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (GM ASEP) Institution/Organization: Cerritos College State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring Program Profile: Download BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: ÁNDALE Latino Research Training Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Long Beach State: California Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Undergraduate Research Program Profile: Download GRADUATE LEVEL: Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative Institution/Organization: University of Illinois Chicago State: Illinois Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Other, Doctoral Training and Professionalization Program Profile: Download CBO LEVEL: Avanza RGV: Accelerating Latino Prosperity through Education & Career Pathways Institution/Organization: Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA) State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Adult Learners Program Profile: Download 2024 Examples of Excelencia : The 2024 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 18 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions representing 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Download Icon Download a copy and read the 2024 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: English for Academic Purposes Institution/Organization: Reading Area Community College State: Pennsylvania Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Bilingual/ESL BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) Institution/Organization: Washington State University State: Washington Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support GRADUATE LEVEL: Project upGRADS Institution/Organization: California State University, Fullerton State: California Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring CBO LEVEL: Career Pathways: Empowering Students to Succeed Institution/Organization: The Immokalee Foundation, Inc. State: Florida Issue Area: Access Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Scholarship WEBINAR RECORDING Elevating What Works for Latino Students: A Conversation with Practitioners Leading Successful Programs During this webinar, representatives from the 2024 Examples of Excelencia shared their programs' evidence-based practices to improve higher education outcomes. They also discussed how they measure their programs’ impact and offered insights into implementation efforts for other institutions and communities to consider. 2023 Examples of Excelencia : The 2023 Examples of Excelencia were selected from a group of 19 finalists that were gathered from 103 program profile submissions that represented 20 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Download Icon Download and read a copy of the 2023 edition of What Works for Latino Students in Higher Education for more information about each program’s evidence-based practices and their impact. ASSOCIATE LEVEL: Engineering Program at Wright Institution/Organization: City Colleges of Chicago, Wilbur Wright College State: Illinois Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Transfer BACCALAUREATE LEVEL: Spanish Community Translation and Interpreting Program Institution/Organization: The University of Texas at Arlington State: Texas Issue Area: Academic Program Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Discipline/Subject GRADUATE LEVEL: Graduate Equity Fellowship Program Institution/Organization: California State University, Chico State: California Issue Area: Retention Program Focus: Career/Workforce, Mentoring CBO LEVEL: College and Career Success Institution/Organization: Breakthrough Central Texas State: Texas Issue Area: Support Services Program Focus: First-Year Support, Mentoring

Janine Davidson is President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Metropolitan State University of Denver Janine Davidson President Institution website: https://www.msudenver.edu/ Bio Page: https://msudenver.edu/president/biography/ Janine Davidson is President of Metropolitan State University of Denver and part of Excelencia in Action network. Seal of Excelencia Certified Institution: 2023-2026 Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is a public comprehensive university offering a relevant, rigorous and innovative education in the heart of downtown Denver. The university serves 17,000 students of all ages and backgrounds with more than 90 majors and 10 graduate programs. MSU Denver, the most diverse institution in the state, serves 15,682 undergraduates, of which 95% are from Colorado and 54% are students of color, including 36% Latinx.

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 North Dakota, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - North Dakota 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) 34% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 49% Of White adults Fast Facts North Dakota had the 47th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 7% K-12 Population 5% Total Population Enrollment 14% Latino Students 26% White Students Median Age 22 Latinos 39 White Median Income $40,777 Without a college degree $62,419 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 20%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Dakota. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 19%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in North Dakota. 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 North Dakota Public, 4-year or above 9,296 532 6% 1,859 78 4% 2 North Dakota State University-Main Campus Public, 4-year or above 9,567 293 3% 2,131 63 3% 3 Minot State University Public, 4-year or above 2,072 197 10% 489 39 8% 4 Bismarck State College Public, 4-year or above 2,629 148 6% 670 28 4% 5 Williston State College Public, 2-year 686 133 19% 240 25 10% 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.

The Excelencia Fellowship Program engages leaders from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions in the E-Action network that have demonstrated data-informed, student-centered, continuous improvement to ensure their students thrive. The Excelencia Fellowship Program The Excelencia Fellowship Program engages leaders from Seal of Excelencia certified institutions in the Excelencia in Action (E-Action) network that have demonstrated data-informed, student-centered, continuous improvement to ensure their students thrive. These institutions nominate campus leaders who exemplify their commitment to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. In turn, Excelencia puts a select few on a path to serve on the frontline of higher education transformation through the program. Fellows participate in programming that deepens their understanding of federal higher education policy and national strategy and leverages the Seal of Excelencia framework so they can strengthen institutional effectiveness and build a strong community of practice. In the three years since the program began, several leaders have been promoted and at least one Fellow has become the president of an institution. Excelencia selected 12 higher education leaders for our 2026 cohort of Fellows, increasing their voices to inform policy and practice 2026 Excelencia Fellows Claudia Aguilar Interim Chief Innovation Officer, Long Beach City College Yvania Garcia-Pusateri Director, Diversity Initiatives and Resource Centers, California State University, Fullerton Victor Munoz Director of First Year Experience, City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright College April Aultman Becker Assistant Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness, Sul Ross State University Alam Hasson Vice Provost, California State University, Fresno Maira Rodriguez Director of Virtual Support, Pima Community College Gilbert V. Castillo, Jr. Dean for Performance Excellence, San Antonio College Julia Heck Associate Vice President for Student Life and Support Programs and Dean of Students, California State University Channel Islands Luis Duarte Executive Director of the Latin American Recruitment and Educational Services (LARES) Program, University of Illinois Chicago Patricia López Associate Professor and Chair, California State University, Fresno Marla Franco Special Advisor, Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Initiatives, University of Arizona Deanna Merino Contino Associate Vice President, Student Life, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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 August 31, 2026 Colleges and Universities That Have Earned the Seal of Excelencia Lead Among the Nation’s Top Institutions in Economic Mobility for Hispanic Students Read More August 5, 2026 Excelencia in Education Recognizes Programs Delivering Positive Outcomes for Latino, and All, Students in Higher Education Read More July 21, 2026 Excelencia in Education Releases National Analysis Demonstrating that America’s Future Benefits from Latino College Completion Read More 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 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 ... 5 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

Wear your commitment to Latino student success in higher education with Excelencia’s apparel collection. Every purchase supports our efforts to ensure access to excellence for Latino, and all, students. Wear Your Support for Latino Student Success Excelencia’s apparel collection gives you the opportunity to show your commitment to Latino student success while contributing to our shared mission. Every purchase directly supports Excelencia's efforts to strengthen colleges and universities that are intentionally serving Latino, and all, students and growing excellence for our country’s future. When you wear Excelencia apparel, you join a community of advocates who proudly demonstrate their belief in ensuring access to excellence for all through higher education. You also inspire others to champion student success and educational opportunity. Wear the mission, support Excelencia , and help expand Excelencia’s impact. SHOP THE COLLECTION

It's hard to imagine the realm without Excelencia. They’ve been strong and effective advocates on behalf of students. A critical partner – in terms of importance, but also perspective – they challenge all of us in the community to be mindful of needs and challenges of Latino students. Leadership A National Network of Leaders for Latino, and All, Student Success The Latino community brings talent and vitality to America's economy, workforce, and society, and we must accelerate their success while increasing all student success. Excelencia in Education's E-Action network of presidents work with Excelencia to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive. LEARN MORE How Do We Work With Institutions? Excelencia meets institutions where they are on their journeys to increase Latino, and all, student success with intentionality and impact. EXPLORE THE JOURNEY Building Momentum for Higher Education Transformation Excelencia’s network represents a small percentage of colleges and universities nationwide that disproportionately enroll and graduate Latino students. These institutions are changing the face of higher education. DISCOVER OUR IMPACT

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 Alabama, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Alabama 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) 30% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 41% Of White adults Fast Facts Alabama had the 32nd largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 10% K-12 Population 6% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 24% White Students Median Age 24 Latinos 43 White Median Income $33,047 Without a college degree $57,592 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 1%-point higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alabama. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Alabama. 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 Alabama Public, 4-year or above 32,323 2,238 7% 6,505 294 5% 2 Auburn University Public, 4-year or above 25,732 1,111 4% 5,643 174 3% 3 University of Alabama at Birmingham Public, 4-year or above 12,118 940 8% 2,937 181 6% 4 John C Calhoun State Community College Public, 2-year 6,928 703 10% 1,463 97 7% 5 Jefferson State Community College Public, 2-year 5,443 563 10% 1,042 55 5% 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.

Excelencia’s retention and transfer recommendations compel policymakers to strengthen policies that support access to excellence through a variety of educational pathways. < Back Excelencia’s Policy Agenda: Retention and Transfer Excelencia in Education September 2026 DOWNLOADS/LINKS Publication SHARE RESEARCH LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) Copy link Overview Latino students fit a post-traditional learner profile and are more likely to take multiple paths through higher education, often balancing work, family, and financial responsibilities. Students’ decisions to pause their education or change institutions are typically driven by life circumstances, not academic ability. Policy must support seamless transitions and degree completion. We prioritize: Strengthening Transfer Pathways: Expanding credit transfer agreements and articulation policies that ensure students don’t lose time or credits when transitioning between institutions. Supporting Proactive Student Support Systems: Encouraging institutions to adopt advising, coaching, and financial aid structures that recognize the realities of Latino students and provide tailored support. How can policymakers support access to excellence through a variety of education pathways? Include transfer pathway development and transfer student success initiatives as allowable activities under Higher Education Act Title V, Part A grants. Update federal data to more transparently report transfer student outcomes, including credit accumulation, credit loss, bachelor's completion, and workforce outcomes, disaggregated by race/ethnicity and income. Strengthen partnerships between higher education institutions and high school districts for high-quality dual enrollment programs. Provide financial incentives to institutions to retain Latino students on their path to graduation. Featured Publications 2024 Compilation of Fast Facts Closing the Equity Gap Framing, Not Blaming From Selectivity to Success Random Access Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

Thomas Poon is President of Loyola Marymount University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Loyola Marymount University Thomas Poon President Institution website: https://www.lmu.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.lmu.edu/ Thomas Poon is President of Loyola Marymount University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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 Washington, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Washington 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 52% Of White adults Fast Facts Washington had the 12th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 24% K-12 Population 15% Total Population Enrollment 16% Latino Students 17% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 43 White Median Income $40,847 Without a college degree $77,718 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 10%-points higher than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Washington. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 13%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Washington. 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 Washington State University Public, 4-year or above 21,583 3,772 17% 5,788 859 15% 2 University of Washington-Seattle Campus Public, 4-year or above 31,588 3,078 10% 8,434 762 9% 3 Columbia Basin College Public, 4-year or above 4,226 2,183 52% 1,267 536 42% 4 Central Washington University Public, 4-year or above 8,081 1,758 22% 2,078 336 16% 5 Yakima Valley College Public, 4-year or above 2,539 1,565 62% 698 404 58% 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.