2023 Seal of Excelencia

At a time when the Latino population in the United States is growing and students are still facing daunting obstacles, Excelencia in Education is recognizing nine institutions for their clear and decisive commitment to Latino student success with the Seal of Excelencia. Additionally, five institutions that previously received the Seal have chosen to recertify their status by demonstrating how they continue to utilize the Seal’s principles.

Angelo State University in San Angelo, Texas, partners with over 62 high schools across the state, facilitating college access for Latino, rural, and other marginalized communities. It enrolls roughly 43% first-generation Latino students.Excelencia in Education works to advance Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies and advancing institutional practices.

There are three core areas that institutions are asked to demonstrate to qualify to receive the Seal: (1) data, (2) practice, and (3) leadership. They must present evidence of effectiveness in institutional practices serving Latino students. Most notably, it must be clear that each institution has an environment in which Latino students can thrive. Leadership strategies must clearly demonstrate that there is an intentional focus on Latino student success at the institutional level.

“Financial aid, retention, and faculty/staff representation are part of the Seal,” says Dr. Deborah Santiago, co-founder and CEO of Excelencia in Education, who says she is delighted to see institutions with intentional practices actively working toward increasing Latino representation in key positions. “That sends a powerful message to students and also the faculty that they’re valued, and it has led to retention and growth.”

Angelo State University

Angelo State University (ASU) in San Angelo, Texas, partners with over 62 high schools across the state, facilitating college access for Latino, rural, and other marginalized communities. Approximately 33% of ASU’s enrollment is dual credit students (3,700 students taking both high school and college courses), 43% of whom are Latinos and first-generation college students. The dual credit program has been a vital part of the increase in Latino undergraduate enrollment, now at 40.5%, because many of the graduates from partnering high schools enroll at ASU. Latino first-year retention has increased from 59% to 71% after implementation of the dual credit program.

Ronnie D. Hawkins Jr.ASU has added several Spanish language marketing materials, including an En Espanol section on the university’s website, a comprehensive admissions piece, Spanish campus tours, and multiple recruitment pieces for academic programs. It has also worked to remove barriers for transfer students. This includes removing a required minor to allow for more elective credits and flexibility, which has contributed to earlier graduation.