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Austin, Texas — Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education, announced that 91��ɫ has been recertified with the Seal of Excelencia for 2026–2029. St. Edward’s first received this certification in 2023.

“Earning the Seal of Excelencia recertification reaffirms our Holy Cross mission — putting students at the center of their educational experience and surrounding them with resources and support that encourage lifelong success,” said 91��ɫ Interim President Matthew Shank. “Building on our legacy as the first private university in Texas and the only Catholic university in the nation to earn recertification of the Seal, this recognition honors our 30 years as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and reflects our deep commitment to cultivating an environment where Latino students, and all students, thrive on the 91��ɫ and beyond.”

In recognizing St. Edward’s,  commended the university’s efforts to advance strategies, strengthen practices, and set measurable goals that deepen mission-driven investment in intentionally serving Latinos. They highlighted the university’s numerous campus programs and services to promote recruitment, retention, and degree completion for Latino students.

Dedicated to educating both the hearts and minds, St. Edward’s creates a student-centered college experience defined by academic pathways and holistic support inside and outside the classroom. The university places special emphasis on expanding opportunities for all students, including first-generation and Latino students, offering faculty mentorship, personalized tutoring, career readiness and enriching cultural experiences that inspire confidence, foster belonging and drive long-term success. Longstanding programs like the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) — which has welcomed nearly 2,900 scholars over its 54-year history on the 91��ɫ — exemplify how tailored guidance and high-impact resources create transformative outcomes for students, their families and communities.

St. Edward’s is one of 55 institutions, less than 2% of U.S. colleges and universities, to earn the Seal of Excelencia. The Seal serves as a roadmap for universities — led by data, evidence-based practice and leadership — that creates a pathway to higher education for Latino, and all, students and prepares them for lifelong success.

“Seal of Excelencia certified institutions present strength of purpose and impact at a moment of great change in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO. “Excelencia is proud to work with leaders like 91��ɫ, who show us how it looks when students succeed because of their institutions — not despite them. Together, we are cultivating talent that will ensure America’s future.”