Stanislaus State has earned the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification recognizing colleges and universities for their commitment to helping Latino and all students succeed in college and beyond.
The University earned the distinction on its first application, joining nine other institutions receiving the Seal for the first time in 2026. Stan State is now among just 55 colleges and universities nationwide to hold the Seal, a rigorous certification established by Excelencia in Education, a national organization dedicated to advancing Latino student success in higher education.
Seal-certified institutions represent less than 2% of colleges and universities nationwide yet collectively enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students. Additionally, they enroll and graduate 8% of all students nationwide.
"I'm absolutely thrilled that Stan State has earned the Seal of Excelencia. Que orgullo!" said President Britt Rios-Ellis. "This is a historic achievement for our university. It affirms that at Stan State — third in the nation in social mobility and high in academic quality rankings — we truly champion Latine students as well as a diverse portfolio of student groups.
"Earning the Seal demonstrates our enduring commitment to our majority Latine population. The Seal truly belongs to every member of our Warrior community who works to honor students in ways that are contextually resonant and reflective of the cultural capital and perseverance Guerreros bring to our campus community."
Stan State is among 21 institutions earning certification or recertification in 2026. Ten institutions received the Seal for the first time, seven earned recertification and four were certified as Intentionally Thriving Institutions, demonstrating sustained progress in preparing students for success after graduation and connecting them to workforce opportunities.
"Congratulations to Stanislaus State on earning the Seal of Excelencia from Excelencia in Education," said U.S. Rep. Josh Harder. "This is a strong recognition of the University's commitment to helping Valley students succeed in college, careers and civic life, and I'm proud to be a partner in supporting that important work. I can't wait to see all that our students will go on to accomplish with the help of this amazing institution."
Established in 2018, the Seal of Excelencia is a rigorous certification that recognizes institutions demonstrating intentional alignment of data, evidence-based practices and leadership to improve student outcomes before and beyond graduation. Rather than comparing institutions through rankings, the certification evaluates how colleges and universities use evidence to inform decisions, strengthen institutional high-impact practices and sustain continuous improvement.
Stan State's pursuit of the Seal included a campuswide examination of student success data and institutional practices through the Seal of Excelencia Institutional Transformation Assessment (SSITA). A University workgroup reviewed enrollment, retention, persistence, graduation and student engagement data to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
The University's efforts include culturally and language relevant outreach and enrollment practices that strengthen access and engagement for Latino students and their families. Through its First-Year Success Program, Stan State also provides proactive advising, early intervention and ongoing academic support to help Latino and first-generation students navigate their first year of college.
The certification reflects an institution-wide approach to student success, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond individual programs to create systems that respond to students' needs. Institutions earning the Seal demonstrate how they use data to understand the students they serve, connect evidence to action and assess progress toward improving educational outcomes.
"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."
"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."
The Seal of Excelencia certification remains valid for three years, through 2029, after which institutions may pursue recertification by demonstrating continued progress and measurable improvements in student outcomes.
