Polk State President Garcia Falconetti continues with Excelencia in Education’s Presidents for Latino Student Success Network
Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority in efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education, announced Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti’s continued affiliation with Presidents for Latino Student Success Network.
This critical national 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.
Of the thousands of colleges and universities across the country, 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 – 30 institutions that have been certified with the Seal of Excelencia – represents 13% of all Latino enrollment and graduates 14% of all Latinos in the U.S.
Excelencia professionals, the leadership network, and their campus teams, actively collaborate to put evidence-based practices and strategic analysis of student data to use supporting and advancing the talents, skills, and contributions of Latino students and the institutions.
“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,” said Sarita Brown, Co-Founder and President of Excelencia.
Excelencia is honored to work with the trendsetting presidents and chancellors who have accepted this challenge. The leaders in the network have made common cause with Excelencia
to accelerate Latino student success in higher education.
“Polk State College is proud to work with Excelencia in Education and I am honored to serve the Presidents for Latino Student Success network,” Polk State President Garcia Falconetti said. “Excelencia’s mission aligns directly with Polk State’s designation as a nationally recognized Hispanic Serving Institution. As our College’s Hispanic student population continues to grow, we remain committed to providing the education and services all students need to succeed.”
When Garcia Falconetti assumed the presidency in 2017, Polk State’s Hispanic student population was approximately 19%. Today, the College serves a student body that is 28% Hispanic, mirroring the growth of this population in Polk County.
Through the network, President Garcia Falconetti will collaborate with Excelencia to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts at the national level. More information about the Presidents for Latino Student Success network and the other institutional leaders across the country affiliated with Excelencia is available here:
www.edexcelencia.org/leadership/presidents-latino-student-success.
About Excelencia in Education
Excelencia in Education accelerates Latino student success in higher education by promoting Latino student achievement, conducting analysis to inform educational policies, and advancing institutional practices while collaborating with those committed and ready to meet the mission.
Launched in 2004 in the nation’s capital, Excelencia has established a network of results-oriented educators and policymakers to address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. Learn more at www.edexcelencia.org.
About Polk State College
Located in Polk County, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 14,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as 9,000 individuals in a wide range of certificate and workforce training programs. The College also operates three charter high schools.
Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics. Learn more at polk.edu.