Together, our campus is taking intentional steps to advance Latinx student success. The Seal of Excelencia recognizes institutions that turn commitment into meaningful action and measurable impact. At Chico State, this work reflects our ongoing commitment to student success, institutional excellence, and continuous improvement.
What is the Seal of Excelencia?
The Seal of Excelencia is an assessment framework and national certification developed by Excelencia in Education that recognizes institutions for intentionally advancing Latinx undergraduate student success through data-informed practice, leadership, and accountability.
Institutions that earn the Seal demonstrate a sustained commitment to equity, student success, and continuous improvement. Learn more about the Seal of Excelencia here.
Why This Matters at Chico State
Chico State serves a growing and diverse student population, including a significant number of Latinx undergraduate students. The Seal of Excelencia framework provides an opportunity to examine how well our programs, practices, and policies support student success and identify opportunities to strengthen our efforts.
Pursuing the Seal is about more than earning a national certification. It is an opportunity to strengthen our practices, align institutional efforts, and build on our commitment to advancing Latinx student success through continuous improvement.
Current Status
In May 2026, Chico State submitted its application for Seal of Excelencia certification.
The application reflects a year-long collaborative effort across the university, bringing together campus leaders and subject matter experts to review institutional practices and student success data and document the programs, practices, and partnerships that support Latinx undergraduate student success.
Excelencia in Education will announce the institutions selected for 2026 Seal of Excelencia certification later this fall.
Seal of Excelencia Taskforce
Appointed by President Perez, the Seal of Excelencia Taskforce brought together faculty, staff, and campus leaders from across the university with expertise in key focus areas to lead the institutional assessment and application development process.
Focus Areas & Workgroup Leads:
Enrollment: Serge Desir, Ryan Patten
Transfer In/Out: Serge Desir, Ryan Patten
Retention/Persistence: Cecilia Santillán-Robles, Lupe Jiménez
Financial Support: Kentiner David, Gina O’Neal
Completion & Beyond: Kate McCarthy, Megan Odom, Sharon Barrios, Maleta Wilson
Faculty & Staff Representation: Michelle Morris, Sheryl Woodward, Mahalley Allen
Leadership: Ashley Gebb, Joseph Morales, Andrew Staples
- Institutional Research and Strategic Analytics (IRSA) Liaison: Tricia Douthit
- Taskforce Coordination: Teresita Curiel
The taskforce's work was strengthened through its partnership with the University Diversity Council (UDC).
Timeline
The timeline below highlights key milestones in Chico State's Seal of Excelencia process.
Note: Click on the image above to view a larger version.