Far West Texas News

Excelencia in Education announced institutions earning the prestigious Seal of Excelencia as well as institutions being re-certified with the seal based on their data, evidence-based practices, and leadership how they are intentionally serving Latino students. El Paso Community College (EPCC) was of the institutions recertified for continuing their journey of transformation. In 2019, EPCC was part of the inaugural cohort to receive the Seal of Excelencia—a national certification process supporting institutional transformation to serve Latino, and all, students. UTEP also received re-certification.

The Seal of Excelencia is an important example of Excelencia's transformational strategies to move the needle beyond simply enrolling Latino students to ensuring they are recognized, supported and graduate. EPCC has a laser-focus on student success and is proud to have this commitment validated by being re-certified with the Seal of Excelencia. “As a community college President, as a Latino and as the first in my family to graduate from college myself, I understand the importance of ensuring higher education is an experience where Latino, and all students, thrive and succeed," EPCC President Dr. William Serrata said during his remarks in Washington D.C. at the announcement. “For El Paso Community College, earning the Seal of Excelencia Re-certification represents the measurable impact we are having on our students, our state and our country."

The Seal of Excelencia framework was developed with colleges and universities over many years as a tool for institutional self-assessment. The Seal certification is valid for three years and institutions committed to a journey of transformation to intentionally serve their Latino students may choose to apply.

At today's announcement event, livestreamed from the nation's capital, Excelencia recognized six institutions that earned the Seal of Excelencia for the first time, and nine institutions that were recertified. These institutions join 15 other Seal-certified institutions from around the country. Combined, the 30 Seal-certified institutions enrolled 13% and graduated 14% of all Latinos in the U.S. for the most recent year, and they are projecting to continue increasing their efforts to lead the nation.

“Excelencia in Education created the Seal of Excelencia to differentiate institutions that became Hispanic-Serving Institutions because of demography and geography from those that are Hispanic-Serving because of intentionality and impact," said Deborah Santiago, Co-founder and CEO of Excelencia. “The Seal provides a road map for all institutions, led by data, practice, and leadership, that does not end with the certification. It supports a path to intentionally making progress in serving Latino students."

The six newly certified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: Mercy College (NY), San Antonio College (TX), Texas State University (TX), University of Albany – State University of New York (NY), University of California, Santa Cruz (CA), and University of Texas at Arlington (TX).

The nine newly recertified Seal of Excelencia institutions are: Arizona State University (AZ), Austin Community College (TX), California State University, Channel Islands (CA), El Paso Community College (TX), Florida International University (FIU), Grand Valley State University (MI), South Texas College (TX), University of Arizona (AZ), and University of Texas at El Paso (TX).

An institution earns the Seal by demonstrating alignment across the three core areas of data, practice, and leadership, which show:

• Evidence of effectiveness and intentionality in institutional practices serving Latino students
• Positive momentum for Latino student progress in their data
• Dedication to transforming the institution into an environment where Latino students thrive
• Strategies in leadership that clearly articulate institutional focus on advancing Latino student success

Excelencia Co-founder and President Sarita Brown said, “We are animated by the positive and engaged responses to the Seal of Excelencia by many people and institutions. We launched the Seal in 2018 because, after years of offering information and evidence-based tactics and strategies to support colleges and universities we saw a slow response to the vibrant and growing Latino student population. Excelencia has 18 years of experience and know-how to support institutions and their leaders who are ready to transform to SERVE Latino students. We recognized Excelencia could do more to support these institutions and that together we would move faster."

Brown continued, “The response to the Seal of Excelencia by colleges and universities is evidence of leadership within higher education and its capacity to meet this moment in our country. Excelencia continues making common cause with leaders from all sectors who recognize that supporting the success of today's Latino college students grows our country's talent and ensures America's bright future."

About Excelencia in Education

Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, advancing institutional practices, and collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission. Launched in 2004 in the nation's capitol, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy's needs for a highly-educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. For more information, visit: www.EdExcelencia.org

About El Paso Community College

EPCC serves nearly 25,000 students and offers 154 degree and certificate programs. Since 1969, the college has remained focused on engaging students, growing community partnerships and fostering excellence. By creating a college-going culture and implementing innovative student success initiatives, EPCC is transforming the pathway to higher education and building a stronger workforce for our region.

Original source can be found here.