Pima Community College and Dr. Dolores Durán-Cerda Affiliates with Excelencia in Education’s Presidents for Latino Student Success Network
Pima Community College Demonstrates Commitment to Becoming a Learning Environment Where Latino, and All Students Thrive
Tucson, Arizona (February 27, 2024) – Excelencia in Education, the nation’s premier authority on efforts accelerating Latino student success in higher education, announced today Dr. Dolores Durán-Cerda, Interim Chancellor of Pima Community College, has chosen to affiliate with the national network of Presidents for Latino Student Success (P4LSS). The network comprises a group of presidents and chancellors committed to making their campuses learning environments where Latinos and all students thrive.
Excelencia formed our network of common cause in 2011 and Presidents for Latino Student Success in 2014 to support institutional leaders who are transforming higher education to strengthen our country with Latino college graduates’ contributions, skills, and talents. Programs and initiatives that work for Latinos can serve other students as well, and thus the nation at large.
Through the P4LSS network, Dr. Durán-Cerda will collaborate with Excelencia and other postsecondary leaders to leverage collective expertise and resources, foster partnerships, and amplify current efforts to accelerate Latino student success in higher education at the national level.
“Institutional leadership focused on intentionally serving Latino and all students is the hallmark of the presidents and chancellors in this network,” said Sarita Brown, co-founder and president of Excelencia in education. “We are proud to catalyze and support them as they advance student success and grow talent for our country’s bright future.”
Dr. Durán-Cerda joins more than 150 leaders from the P4LSS network, leading the nation in enrolling and graduating Latino students. Although the network represents only 5% of the thousands of colleges and universities across the country, the network enrolls 32% and graduates 34% of all Latino students in higher education.
“Empowering Latino students isn’t just about leveling the playing field; it’s about recognizing and harnessing the unique strengths and perspectives they bring to Pima. Through inclusive practices and targeted support, we can unlock limitless potential for all students, ultimately uplifting our entire community,” said Dr. Dolores Durán-Cerda, Interim Chancellor of Pima Community College. “PCC is one of Arizona’s top producers of associate’s degrees for Latino learners, and we look forward to sharing our experiences in helping our Latino population and all students complete their educational goals and advance to good-paying, family-sustaining careers.”
Excelencia is honored to make common cause with the action-oriented, trendsetting presidents and chancellors who have answered our national call to accelerate Latino student success in higher education and ensure America’s future. To learn more about the Presidents for Latino Student Success network and other institutional leaders across the country affiliated with Excelencia, visit: EdExcelencia.org/leadership/
About Excelencia in Education
In 2024, Excelencia in Education marks 20 years of service to accelerate 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. 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. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org
Contacts: Vanessa Arellano, Ed.D. and Brian Stewart, Ed.D.