Excelencia in Education: ACU joins national effort to aid Latin students

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Abilene Christian University President Dr. Phil Schubert has joined the National Network of Presidents for Latino Students’ Success, making a commitment to creating learning environments where Latinos and all students can thrive.

Excelencia in Education is a foundational program dedicated to giving Latin college students across the U.S. an edge in their education. The primary goal of the program is to provide services that give Latin students the best chance of finishing their degrees. Schubert outlined what this new membership entails for his students.

“Being part of Excelencia in Education means that we are specifically attuned to trying to assess all the needs, and those needs can take any form or fashion, but it’s a commitment to help ensure that when we’re aware of what would help a Latino student be successful, we at least give consideration to providing for that,” Schubert said.

‘Entra A La Plaza’ celebrates Hispanic culture at ACU

Director of ACU’s Hispanic Serving Initiatives Abel Alvarez expressed his excitement when speaking about the new resource for the campus and how, with this new union, ACU will now have access to knowledge utilized by other cooperating universities and their programs that focus on the success of their Latin students.

“It doesn’t do our country, or us, or anybody any good if we get them to campus and they don’t get to the finish line,” said Alvarez. We’re trying to provide some mentoring. We’re also trying to look at everything from our course offerings to how to tailor courses to that particular demographic.”

Alvarez went on to stipulate how the aid provided by this initiative will benefit students from families who may face challenges in affording college tuition in general.

ACU students, faculty react to $29 million gift to College of Business Administration

Keren Escobar is an international student who knows first-hand the challenges some students can face when integrating into a new environment.

“I’m from Honduras. I know it’s hard for international students, and it’s hard since it’s not only for the money, but it’s also for depression and stuff like that and how it makes us feel being so far away and sometimes we don’t have that help or aid,” said Escobar.

She is optimistic about the new partnership and excited about what the future might bring.

“This is going to give more opportunities for us and have more community,” said Escobar.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.