The University of Massachusetts Amherst has earned the esteemed Seal of Excelencia for demonstrating continuous improvement in Latino, and all, student outcomes, Excelencia in Education announced today. UMass is one of 10 colleges and universities to earn the Seal for the first time in 2026.

Image

“UMass Amherst is committed to expanding educational access and serving as a driver of upward social and economic mobility,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier A. Reyes, who joined leaders in higher education, business, government and philanthropy in Washington, D.C. for the announcement.

“We are proud that our growing Latino/Hispanic population sees the promise, possibilities, and opportunities of higher education at the commonwealth’s flagship university,” added Reyes. “This recognition affirms our efforts to ensure access, success and an inclusive campus climate for all students.”

The Seal is a rigorous, national certification earned through the intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices, and leadership strategies — all leading to student success. 

Chancellor Reyes thanked Adam Ortiz, director of Student Success Outreach; Wilma Crespo Nieves, director of the Center for Multicultural Advancement and Student Success; Kelly Gray, assistant provost for Student Success Initiatives; and Alicia Remaly, executive director of Assessment and Effectiveness Research, for their efforts toward the application process demonstrating the university’s strengthening capacity to serve Latinos and all students.

As of the 2020 Census, Hispanics and Latinos accounted for 12 percent of the state’s total population, up from nine percent in the 2010 census. Currently, 11.7 percent of UMass students self-reporting U.S. citizens/permanent residents identify as Latino/Hispanic; up from 6.7 percent in fall 2016. Latino/Hispanic students now return for their second year at nearly the same rate as all students, reaching 91 percent for the fall 2025 first-year cohort, up from 82 percent from fall 2021. The number of bachelors’ degrees awarded to Latino/Hispanic students increased from 474 to 543 over that period, a 14.6 percent increase, compared with the campus overall increase of 8.7 percent. These outcomes reflect the combined impact of university-wide student success initiatives and targeted efforts to ensure Latino/Hispanic students have the support, resources and opportunities needed to thrive.

“Seal of Excelencia certified institutions present strength of purpose and impact at a moment of great change in higher education,” said Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education co-founder and CEO. “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 UMass Amherst 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, UMass Amherst 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.

“Colleges and universities that earn the Seal of Excelencia are ensuring talent meets opportunity,” said Sarita Brown, Excelencia in Education co-founder and president. “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.”