University of Utah President Taylor Randall this week joined the Excelencia in Education Presidents for Latino Student Success network.

Excelencia in Education is a group dedicated to accelerating Latino student success in higher education. The organization’s presidents network is comprised of college and university presidents and chancellors who commit to making their institutions learning environments where Latino students thrive. The institutions in Excelencia’s network are transforming higher education.

“The University of Utah is committed to the success of our Latinx students,” said  Mary Ann Villarreal, the U’s vice president for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Our partnership with Excelencia will ensure that our Latinx students will reach their academic goals and thrive on our campus and as alumni.” 

The more than 150 leaders of the 175 institutions in the network enroll one in four of all Latino students in higher education. More importantly, these institutions account for one in three of all Latino graduates. In fact, a subset of the Excelencia network - 24 institutions that have been certified with the Seal of Excelencia – represents 10% of all Latino enrollment and graduates 12% of all Latinos in the U.S.

Sarita Brown, Co-founder and President of Excelencia, said, “Higher education leaders with skills and vision are fundamental to our country’s strong recovery. Those prepared to engage and intentionally serve Latino students, while serving all their students, will lead the way.”

Through the network, University of Utah leaders will collaborate with Excelencia to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level. To learn more about Presidents for Latino Student Success network and the other institutional leaders across the country affiliated with Excelencia, visit : https://www.edexcelencia.org/leadership/presidents-latino-student-success