Willimantic, Conn. –Elsa Núñez, president of Eastern Connecticut State University, is one of 17 college and university presidents across the nation and the only one in New England, to join “Presidents for Latino Student Success” (PLSS), a group of higher education leaders throughout the country who are committed to making America stronger by increasing degree attainment for Latino students and all students.
“I am proud to be part of this new initiative to increase the number of Latino students graduating from college,” said Núñez. “From my own personal experience and my professional observations during more than 40 years in higher education, a college degree can uniquely transform someone’s life. Latino students have historically attended and graduated from college at lower rates than white and African Americans. While there are a number of reasons for this disparity, only by bringing dedicated educational leaders together and actively implementing effective strategies will we be able to change this paradigm.”
The PLSS initiative is being spearheaded by Excelencia in Education, which is marking its 10 years of service. “Excelencia in Education has become an invaluable resource for higher education leaders who understand that the success of America’s Latino students is critical to our nation’s future,” said Eloy Ortiz Oakley, president of Long Beach City College and an inaugural member of Presidents for Latino Student Success.