Beyond the Rankings: Advancing Latino Student Success and Social Mobility

Announced on: Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Excelencia in Education and Washington Monthly invite higher education colleagues to a discussion following the August 31 release of the second annual Best Colleges for Hispanic Students ranking.

Beyond the Rankings: Advancing Latino Student Success and Social Mobility

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. PT

Register for the webinar

This webinar will look beyond rankings to examine what institutional excellence looks like in practice. The conversation will explore how colleges and universities that have earned the Seal of Excelencia—recognizing a commitment to continuous improvement in student outcomes—are strengthening higher education's role in social mobility, economic vitality, and workforce development.

Seal-certified institutions are prominently represented in the 2026 ranking because they intentionally align data, evidence-based practices, and leadership to help students thrive before and beyond graduation. The ranking highlights institutions that advance social mobility and expand access to excellence for Latino and other post-traditional students.

Participants will:

• Explore how institutions can move beyond isolated programs toward systemic change that advances economic and social mobility by more intentionally serving Latino students—and, ultimately, all students.
• Examine how data and evidence can build awareness of whom institutions serve and inform action that produces meaningful results for graduates.
• Hear from institutional leaders about student-centered, data-informed strategies that support student success through degree completion and beyond.
• Learn how institutions are using the Seal of Excelencia framework to support accountability and continuous improvement in student outcomes.
• Consider ways institutions can articulate their positive impact on student success and social mobility.

Moderator

Deborah Santiago, Co-founder and CEO, Excelencia in Education

Speakers

• Guy Bailey, President, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Berenecea Johnson Eanes, President, California State University, Los Angeles
• Madeline Pumariega, President, Miami Dade College
• Kainoa Lowman, Editor, Washington Monthly

The webinar will be recorded and shared with everyone who registers.

Stay tuned for the August 31 release of Washington Monthly's second annual Best Colleges for Hispanic Students ranking.