Robert Garza is President of Palo Alto College and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Palo Alto College Robert Garza President Institution website: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/ Bio Page: https://www.alamo.edu/pac/about-pac/leadership/office-of-the-president/ Robert Garza is President of Palo Alto College 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.

Joyce Ester is President of Governors State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Governors State University Joyce Ester President Institution website: https://www.govst.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.govst.edu/president/ Joyce Ester is President of Governors State University and part of Excelencia in Action network.

David A. Tandberg is President of Adams State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Adams State University David A. Tandberg President Institution website: https://www.adams.edu/ Bio Page: https://www.adams.edu/president/ David A. Tandberg is President of Adams State 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 Massachusetts, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Massachusetts 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 60% Of White adults Fast Facts Massachusetts had the 16th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 20% K-12 Population 13% Total Population Enrollment 20% Latino Students 27% White Students Median Age 30 Latinos 45 White Median Income $38,127 Without a college degree $77,006 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 12%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Massachusetts. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 8%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts-Boston Public, 4-year or above 11,848 2,327 20% 2,389 377 16% 2 Bunker Hill Community College Public, 2-year 7,322 2,195 30% 945 223 24% 3 University of Massachusetts-Amherst Public, 4-year or above 23,694 2,067 9% 6,866 524 8% 4 Boston University Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 17,850 2,018 11% 4,557 505 11% 5 University of Massachusetts-Lowell Public, 4-year or above 11,632 1,838 16% 2,943 342 12% 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.

** is President of College of Lake County and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page College of Lake County ** President Institution website: https://www.clcillinois.edu/ Bio Page: ** is President of College of Lake County and part of Excelencia in Action network.

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.

Richard Bierschbach is President of Wayne State University and part of Excelencia in Action network. < Back to E-Action Main Page Wayne State University Richard Bierschbach President Institution website: https://wayne.edu/ Bio Page: https://president.wayne.edu/about Richard Bierschbach is President of Wayne State 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 Idaho, highlighting the need for strategies that accelerate Latino degree attainment and support success for all students. Latino College Completion - Idaho 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) 24% Of Latino adults (25 and over) had earned an associate degree or higher VS 44% Of White adults Fast Facts Idaho had the 34th largest Latino population in the U.S. Latino Population 19% K-12 Population 14% Total Population Enrollment 21% Latino Students 21% White Students Median Age 26 Latinos 40 White Median Income $37,151 Without a college degree $58,987 With a college degree Degree Outcomes At two-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was equal to that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Idaho. At four-year institutions, Hispanics' graduation rate was 11%-points lower than that of their White non-Hispanic peers in Idaho. 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 Brigham Young University-Idaho Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above 42,090 7,802 19% 8,589 1,197 14% 2 Boise State University Public, 4-year or above 17,081 2,590 15% 4,058 580 14% 3 College of Western Idaho Public, 2-year 5,898 1,264 21% 991 162 16% 4 Idaho State University Public, 4-year or above 7,260 1,113 15% 1,640 194 12% 5 College of Southern Idaho Public, 4-year or above 3,476 1,008 29% 991 244 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.

Massey Villarreal is Chief Executive Officer & President of Precision Task Group, Inc., and Excelencia in Education's Board Member. < Back to Our People Page Massey Villarreal Chief Executive Officer & President Precision Task Group, Inc. Massey Villarreal is Chief Executive Officer & President of Precision Task Group, Inc. He is a respected business leader and a 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.

This brief identifies the top institutions graduating and preparing Latinos to enter the workforce in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). < Back Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) 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 STEM 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. Latinos are the nation’s fastest growing population and are shaping the nation’s workforce. By 2031, Latinos will account for 91 percent of new workers. Although more Latinos are entering the STEM workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in STEM occupations. In 2021, Latinos represented 18 percent of the nation’s workforce yet represented less than 10 percent of all STEM occupations–presenting an opportunity to strengthen the Latino STEM talent pipeline. This brief presents Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent. The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in STEM are: Dallas College in Texas (Certificate) South Texas College in Texas (Associate) Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s) University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in Michigan (Doctorate) 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 STEM . Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education. Return to Research Library Related Research by Issue Area - Education Pathways Financial Aid Institutional Practices Student Success Workforce

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