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Richard J. Helldobler is President of William Paterson University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page William Paterson University Richard J. Helldobler President Institution website: https://www.wpunj.edu/home/index.html Bio Page: https://www.wpunj.edu/president/biography.html Richard J. Helldobler is President of William Paterson University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

JP Deering serves as Director of Communications of Excelencia in Education. JP supports media relations and curating digital content. < Back to Our People Page JP Deering Director of Communications Excelencia in Education Email: jpdeering@edexcelencia.org Current Position: JP Deering serves as the Director of Communications of Excelencia in Education, supporting media relations and curating digital content. In addition, he also coordinates the development of the organization’s branding and style guide which is executed in partnership with Excelencia’s strategic plan. Past Experiences: JP comes to Excelencia from INTO University Partnerships, an international education organization where he served as corporate communications manager until 2022. He began his career in 2016 as a teaching assistant at the University of Kentucky, working primarily with international and post-traditional students on written and digital projects. JP earned his B.A. in English with a minor in politics from Centre College. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Throughout my career, I have focused on one question: How do we make higher education in the U.S. work better for students it has not traditionally prioritized or intentionally served? Excelencia answers that question by shining a light on evidence-based practices and programs that work for Latino students and holding institutional leaders and decision makers accountable for meaningful transformation. I am eager to be a part of that effort. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Two words best describe working at Excelencia : growth and intentionality. Growth, because the innovators within this organization consistently push the envelope and challenge me to learn something new every day. Intentionality, because everyone here is committed and strategic when it comes to advancing Latino student success and building a community of common cause with like-minded leaders and advocates. This is not an organization of box-checkers.

Privacy Policy This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for www.EdExcelencia.org . This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. It will notify you of the following: What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared. What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data. The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information. Information Collection, Use, and Sharing We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone. We will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. follow up for an event you have registered for. Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy. Your Access to and Control Over Information You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website: See what data we have about you, if any. Change/correct any data we have about you. Have us delete any data we have about you. Express any concern you have about our use of your data. Security We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline. Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for "https" at the beginning of the address of the Web page. While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment. Cookies We use "cookies" on this site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor's hard drive to help us improve your access to our site and identify repeat visitors to our site. For instance, when we use a cookie to identify you, you would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. Cookies can also enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site. Links This website contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information. If you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should contact us immediately via telephone at 202-785-7350 or via email at Contact@EdExcelencia.org

** is Superintendent/President of Palomar Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Palomar Community College District ** Superintendent/President Institution website: https://www.palomar.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.palomar.edu/presidentsoffice/ ** is Superintendent/President of Palomar Community College District and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia in Education began as a Latina-led organization with Co-founders Sarita Brown and Deborah Santiago. In 2004, they launched Excelencia with the belief that it is both crucial and possible for the U.S. to accelerate Latino student success in higher education through an intentional, strategic effort. Our Story Excelencia’s History and Evolution Excelencia in Education began as a Latina-led organization with Co-founders Sarita Brown and Deborah Santiago. In 2004, they launched Excelencia with the belief that it is both crucial and possible for the U.S. to accelerate Latino student success while increasing all student success in higher education through an intentional, strategic effort. Since our founding, Excelencia has grown in size and influence, as well as leveraged our role as a national leader, trusted source of information, and advocate for evidence-based practices to support Latino students’ achievement amongst all served. We continue to create opportunities to examine critical issues in postsecondary education from new perspectives and reconsider traditional efforts in a post-traditional context to the benefit of all students. Our story is one of commitment, persistence, credibility, and collaborative action for positive results on behalf of Latino, and all, students to ensure America’s future. 20 Years of Serving Our Mission In 2024, Excelencia marked 20 years of service to our mission — accelerating Latino student success while increasing all student success, to close postsecondary attainment gaps and advance our families, communities, and nation. See how we have shaped the national agenda for student-centered institutional transformation over the last two decades. LEARN MORE Excelencia’s Tree of Life Created by national award-winning artist Verónica Castillo Salas, Excelencia’s Tree of Life symbolizes how the commitment of our co-founders seeded the growth of a national organization that cultivates Latino, and all, student success. EXPERIENCE OUR HISTORY

Iris Yan serves as Research Analyst of Excelencia in Education. Iris collaborates on data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research projects to inform institutional practice and policy with a Latino lens, aligned with Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success. < Back to Our People Page Iris Yan Research Analyst Excelencia in Education Email: ryan@edexcelencia.org Current Position: As a Research Analyst, Iris collaborates on data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research projects to inform institutional practice and policy with a Latino lens, aligned with Excelencia’s mission of accelerating Latino student success. She plays a pivotal role in coordinating the use of national datasets, management of internal data sets, and conducting analyses that inform higher education issues, such as affordability and institutional capacity. Additionally, she actively contributes to data analysis on topics related to Latinos in higher education and assists in the development of research publications based on Excelencia's four core priorities: affordability, institutional capacity, retention and transfer, and workforce preparation. Past Experiences: Iris brings over three years of quantitative research experience to Excelencia , particularly with underrepresented student populations and their persistence in STEM fields. She previously worked as a Research and Data Analyst at Texas A&M University, on a grant project funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Iris earned her Master’s degree in Research, Measurement and Statistics from Texas A&M University at College Station. Her education and experience have equipped her with professional skills and theoretical framework to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? Promoting education equity has been a passion of mine for many years. I firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities for underrepresented populations. Excelencia in Education’s mission to accelerate Latino student success in higher education by promoting institutional practices and educational policies aligns perfectly with my values, as I strive to make higher education a more accessible and equitable place for underrepresented students. I am thrilled at the opportunity of being part of the Excelencia team to make higher education more accessible for Latino students. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? We are a group of people that share the same values. We believe in Excelencia’s mission and commitment to serve the Latino community. Excelencia encourages everyone to achieve their full potential and succeed. I am honored to be part of the organization, collaborate with my team, and learn from my colleagues and leaders.

Kenneth Christensen is Chancellor of the University of Colorado-Denver is affiliated with the Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Colorado, Denver Kenneth Christensen Chancellor Institution website: https://ucdenver.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.ucdenver.edu/chancellor/biography Kenneth Christensen is Chancellor of the University of Colorado-Denver is affiliated with the Excelencia in Action network.

Lisa Freeman is President of Northern Illinois University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Northern Illinois University Lisa Freeman President Institution website: https://www.niu.edu/index.shtml Bio Page: https://www.niu.edu/president/about/index.shtml Lisa Freeman is President of Northern Illinois University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Javier Reyes is Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page University of Massachusetts-Amherst Javier Reyes Chancellor Institution website: https://www.umass.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.umass.edu/chancellor/about/meet-the-chancellor Javier Reyes is Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Aims Community College Leah Bornstein President Institution website: https://www.aims.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.aims.edu/employee-directory/leah-bornstein Leah Bornstein is President of Aims Community College and part of Excelencia in Action network.

Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues uses a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino student success from across the Excelencia network. Excelencia's Perspectives < Return to the Research and Policy Page Applying a Latino lens to higher education policy and practice Excelencia’s community understands and addresses contemporary higher education issues using a Latino lens. Read the latest perspectives on policies and practices impacting Latino, and all, student success from across the Excelencia network. For more insight into Latino student success trends in higher education, visit Excelencia’s Medium page. Excelencia's Medium post highlights trendsetting institutions that are taking responsibility for graduates' long-term educational and career success — and the high-impact practices they're implementing to do so. By embedding career-aligned learning experiences throughout Latino, and all, students' journeys, colleges and universities that have earned the Intentionally Thriving Institution certification through the Seal of Excelencia framework are ensuring students graduate with meaningful skills, professional experience, and confidence in their next steps. From Classroom to Career: Embedding Workforce Readiness into Academic Pathways By: Alexia Carrillo Villalobos, Emily Labandera, & Deborah A. Santiago, Excelencia in Education Read Now | May 28, 2026 · 5 min read HSIs play a critical role in providing access to a quality education for Latino, and all, students and meeting our national need for a highly educated citizenry and workforce. After canceling $229 million in HSI funding in 2025, the current administration is contradicting that role by signaling its intent to redistribute funds Congress appropriated for HSIs in 2026 — making it harder for them to compete for the resources they need. Read Excelencia Co-founder and CEO Deborah Santiago's analysis on the current state of HSI funding. Title V: Developing HSIs Funding in 2026 By: Deborah A. Santiago, CEO, Excelencia in Education Read Now | April 28, 2026 · 7 min read With colleges and universities at the center of national conversations about what economic mobility and prosperity look like for our country, Excelencia is bringing together higher education leaders of institutions delivering positive impact for students, families, and communities for our new series on Medium, Voces y Excelencia: Leadership in Action. Read our kick-off piece and stay tuned for additional pieces to hear from Leaders at institutions in our E-Action network. Voces y Excelencia : Leadership in Action By: Excelencia in Education Read Now | Jan 26, 2026 · 3 min read In recent weeks, we’ve seen the current administration refuse to defend and, later, seek to end funding for Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) grant programs, arguing that they are racially discriminatory. Read Excelencia's latest case for HSIs and learn more about how these programs constitute a strategic, competitive, capacity-building investment in institutions that disproportionately educate America’s fastest-growing student population and why supporting them is a strategic investment in our democracy. The Case for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs): Opportunity Meeting Talent By: Deborah A. Santiago, CEO, Excelencia in Education Read Now | Sep 15, 2025 · 4 min read America’s Economic Future: Latinos and the Institutions that Serve Them By: Lily Cuellarsola, Excelencia in Education Latinos, one of the fastest-growing and youngest U.S. demographics, are uniquely positioned to shape America’s future. This post explores Latinos’ rapid population growth, rising college enrollment, the challenges of the demographic cliff, and strategies to invest in their success amongst all served to meet workforce needs and secure our nation’s economic future. Read Now | Jan 8, 2025 · 7 min read Latino Students are Key to Our Nation’s Prosperity By: Lily Cuellarsola & Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education Accelerating Latino degree attainment while all groups increase is key to our nation’s prosperity. Latinos, now making up about one in five Americans, represent the growing majority of college students today and face unique circumstances that institutions must address to support their success. This analysis explores the Latino student profile, how they pay for college, their degree attainment, their workforce participation, and the institutions uniquely positioned to serve them. Read Now | Jun 5, 2024 · 8 min read Funding America’s Future: Larger Endowments Could Help HSIs Further Accelerate Latino Student Success By: Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education Endowments are important resources that provide institutions with opportunities to invest in students and programs. Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) are less likely to have an endowment compared to other colleges and universities. For HSIs that do have an endowment, their funds tend to be smaller than those at other institutions. Our new analysis explores endowments at HSIs and what it means for investing in students. Read Now | Jun 13, 2023 · 9 min read The number of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) is increasing again. By: Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, & Sami R. Nour, Excelencia in Education This year, 571 colleges and universities meet the enrollment definition of a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) — up from 559 last year, when the number decreased for the first time in two decades due to enrollment declines, institutional closings, and consolidation brought on by the pandemic. Our new analysis explores how and why the number of HSIs is growing again. Read Now | Mar 30, 2023 · 6 min read Beyond an HSI Designation: Exploring Strategic Practices for Grant Participation By: Cassandra Arroyo & Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education The competitive nature of HSI federal funding has increased the importance for HSIs to plan effectively for grant competitions and utilize funds sustainably. This analysis explores strategic practices from six HSIs for participating in Title V grant competitions and moving beyond an HSI designation to intentionally serve Latino and other low-income students. Read Now | Mar 23, 2023 · 6 min read Resilience: Surviving, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding in Times of Trouble By: Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President Inter American University of Puerto Rico Rafael Ramírez Rivera, Acting President of Inter American University of Puerto Rico, shares his definition of institutional resilience and lessons that U.S. mainland institutions can learn from Puerto Rican universities when it comes to surviving, stabilizing, and rebuilding in times of trouble in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Maria, and Fiona, an unprecedented series of earthquakes, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Read Now | Mar 21, 2023 · 6 min read Institutional Resilience in Puerto Rico By: Sami R. Nour, Deborah Santiago, Emily Labandera, & Cassandra Arroyo, Excelencia in Education This new analysis examines the island’s universities as accelerators of economic mobility for Latino students and their communities, demonstrating how Puerto Rican institutions offer a better return on investment in higher education for low-income students than can be achieved almost anywhere else in the U.S. Read Now | Mar 2, 2023 · 9 min read

Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Manager of Excelencia in Education. Guadalupe manages Excelencia's digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. < Back to Our People Page Guadalupe Acosta Digital Manager Excelencia in Education Email: gacosta@EdExcelencia.org Current Position: Guadalupe Acosta serves as the Digital Manager of Excelencia in Education, managing Excelencia ’s digital communications, including the website, presence in social media platforms, as well as online campaigns. Past Experiences: Guadalupe comes to Excelencia with over 4 years of digital and print marketing experience that included work in the public transportation sector bringing awareness to the many benefits of public services. Guadalupe received her B.S. in Paralegal Studies and Spanish and a minor in General Business from Texas A&M University at Commerce. Why are you bringing your talent to Excelencia ? As a first-generation high school and university Latina graduate, I know the importance of organizations like Excelencia and the level of impact it can have on Latino student success in higher education. I know that I wouldn’t be where I am, professionally, if it wasn’t for key organizations, programs, and mentors that helped me along the way navigate the education system and overcome the constant challenges. Personally, I couldn’t think of a better service than playing a part in helping accelerate Latino student success in higher education to grow the talent for America’s future workforce and civil society. How would you describe working at Excelencia ? Working at Excelencia has been the highlight of my professional career. The level of passion and commitment for a common cause is seen everyday with everything that is done, no matter the role and how big or small the task is. I am proud to be part of a very talented team where we all work as one.