UTSA, Excelencia in Education to showcase HSI impact over 25 years

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.”

“We are…committed to ensuring UTSA becomes a Hispanic thriving research university.”

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.”

— Christi Fish