Governors State University earns Seal of Excelencia for ensuring students thrive before and beyond graduation
Seal-Certified institutions lead the nation in degree completion, connecting students to opportunity and strengthening communities and the workforce
Excelencia in Education announced today that Governors State University (GovState) has earned the Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating continuous improvement in Latino, and all, student outcomes. As one of 21 colleges and universities to earn the Seal in 2026, GovState holds itself accountable for delivering value to its students, its community, and the country, reinforcing higher education’s role as an engine of social mobility, economic vitality, and workforce development.
Only 55 institutions nationwide have earned the Seal of Excelencia, but produce disproportionate, positive student impact and are preparing the talent of today and tomorrow. Seal-certified institutions represent less than 2% of colleges and universities yet enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students. Additionally, these institutions enroll and graduate 8% of all students.
The Seal is a rigorous, national certification earned through the intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership strategies, which all leads to student success. By moving beyond isolated programs to systemic change and mission-driven investment in intentionally serving Latinos, who represent today’s post-traditional student majority, GovState is strengthening capacity to serve all students.
An emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (eHSI), GovState serves an undergraduate population comprised of nearly 20% Latino students. It is the first eHSI and only the second public university in Illinois to earn this national recognition.
To accommodate the growing needs of Latino students on campus, GovState has established the Latinx Resource Center, providing a dedicated space for mentorship, cultural programming, resource navigation, and a strong sense of belonging.
David Hermann, Ph.D., GovState’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said earning the Seal of Excelencia brings responsibility.
“It affirms GovState’s commitment to intentionally serving Latino students through the alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and institutional leadership. The Seal also provides a framework for our next phase of work,’’ Hermann said.
Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and CEO, said the recognition is critical at a time when the landscape of colleges and universities is shifting.
“Seal of Excelencia-certified institutions present strength of purpose and impact at a moment of great change in higher education,’’ Santiago said. “Excelencia is proud to work with these leaders that 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.”
Before GovState earned the Seal of Excelencia, the University joined the national Excelencia in Action network. In 2026, the network includes more than 140 colleges and universities serving over 4.2 million students in 28 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Among this group, GovState has chosen to become more student-centered and data-informed, leveraging Excelencia’s evidence-based tools, capacity building programming, and community of practice on its journey to Seal certification.
Sarita Brown, Excelencia in Education Co-founder and President, said colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia are ensuring talent meets opportunity. “They have evolved beyond simply enrolling to intentionally serving Latino, and all, students. That starts with knowing who they serve and creating clear pathways for students to earn a degree. Collectively, Seal-certified institutions model the change possible for higher education to expand access to excellence for students to achieve their goals.”
Leaders in higher education, business, government, and philanthropy convened in Washington, D.C., to recognize GovState as one of 10 institutions earning Seal of Excelencia certification for the first time. In addition, seven institutions earned Seal recertification, and four earned certification as Intentionally Thriving Institutions (ITI) for demonstrating positive impact in preparing and connecting students to the workforce.
Learn more about how Seal of Excelencia certified institutions model the transformation necessary for higher education to ensure Latino, and all, students thrive — and strengthen the nation’s civic leadership and workforce: EdExcelencia.org/seal/seal-excelencia-certified-institutions.
Contact: Zion Banks
About Excelencia in Education
Excelencia in Education leads a national network of results-oriented educators and policymakers transforming higher education to tap the talents of the Latino community and address the U.S. economy’s needs for a highly educated workforce and engaged civic leaders. With this network, Excelencia ensures access to excellence by promoting student achievement, informing educational policies, and advancing evidence-based practices to more intentionally serve Latino, and all, students. For more information, visit: EdExcelencia.org.
About Governors State University
Governors State University (GovState), recently voted the Best in the Southland, is a 4-year, comprehensive institution of higher education located in Chicago’s Southland. GovState serves nearly 4,500 students in four academic colleges: Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Services, Business, and Education and Human Development. Home to 2025-26 Men’s Basketball CCAC champions, GovState hosts 16 athletic teams.