MARCH 17, 2021 — At a time when Texas colleges and universities are intentionally working to improve postsecondary graduation rates, particularly among underserved communities, UTSA is joining Excelencia in Education, a national higher education leader, to deliver insightful research to the public on the impact of Hispanic Serving Institutions. The research, to be released this month in a study, “25 Years of Hispanic-Serving Institutions,” will provide analyses to inform educational policymakers, academic researchers, elected officials and foundations how best to serve Latino students in higher education.
“We know that education is a great equalizer. It has the power to change lives and create a more just and equitable society,” said UTSA President Taylor Eighmy. “We are designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and we are committed to ensuring UTSA becomes a Hispanic thriving research university. San Antonio needs and deserves a model HSI that provides the highest quality education to advance social mobility and economic opportunities for its students and community.”
UTSA and seven other Texas colleges, universities and organizations are among the higher education leaders who have invested in the Excelencia research project.
“Good ideas and work need solid support,” said Excelencia President Sarita Brown. “We thank UTSA for its leadership and investment in this important national research. UTSA has embraced its role as a Hispanic Serving Institution and continues, even in these challenging times, to actively build pathways for equity for its students, its community and our country.”
UTSA has a strong working relationship with Excelencia. President Eighmy is affiliated with Excelencia’s Presidents for Latino Student Success, a network of leaders who are working to make their institutions learning environments where Latino students—and all their students—thrive.
Last year UTSA earned the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, a comprehensive certification recognizing the university’s commitment and ability to accelerate Latino student success.
Last year also marked 25 years since Hispanic Serving Institutions were first funded through specific federal legislation. Since that time, Excelencia in Education has chronicled the impact and changes of HSIs over the years. Its new research reveals that Texas HSIs often enroll and graduate the disproportionate number of the Latino students needed for an educated workforce and citizenry.
Along with documenting the seminal role HSIs have played in increasing Latino college completion and the value of federal investment in these institutions, Excelencia’s research informs higher education and elected and policy leaders at a critical time in our country when record numbers of Latino students should be enrolling in colleges and universities.
“Closing equity gaps in degree attainment requires investing in the institutions enrolling and graduating Latino students in Texas and across the country,” said Excelencia CEO Deborah Santiago. “Learning what these institutions are doing to intentionally serve Latino students and accelerating their impact is critical at the state and federal levels.”
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At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Gregory Luna Room, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
