Denton, Texas – Texas Woman’s University (TWU) has been awarded the Seal of Excelencia by Excelencia in Education, a respected national organization that acknowledges and promotes the success of Latino students in higher education.
TWU was unveiled as one of the nine esteemed recipients of this recognition at an event in Washington, D.C. This places the institution in a collective of 39 colleges and universities that, while making up less than 1% of higher education institutions nationwide, enroll over 15% of all Latino students and account for 17% of Latino graduates.
The award is a reflection of TWU’s ongoing commitment to creating an environment and implementing practices that cater specifically to the needs and success of Latino students. Deborah Santiago, CEO of Excelencia in Education, noted the distinct difference between institutions that simply enroll Latino students and those like TWU, which are dedicated to actively ensuring their success.
In her statement, TWU Chancellor Carine Feyten acknowledged the importance of intentional efforts in meeting the specific needs of diverse student populations. The university’s achievement in receiving the Seal of Excelencia underscores its commitment to aligning institutional practices and strategies with outcomes that contribute to the comprehensive success of all students, including the Latino population.
Earlier this year, Excelencia in Education recognized TWU’s Certificate of Biliteracy as one of the nation’s top five graduate programs that effectively serve Latino students, highlighting the university’s commitment to evidence-based, culturally relevant practices.
To be considered for the Seal of Excelencia, institutions must be part of Excelencia’s national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success and demonstrate evidence of effective institutional practices, positive data trends for Latino student progress, commitment to transformation to support Latino student success, and clear leadership strategies focused on advancing Latino student achievement.
Since its inception in 2018, the Seal of Excelencia has been a significant marker of institutions’ dedication to advancing the academic achievement of Latino students, aligning with the broader mission of higher education to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for all students.
