Purdue University Northwest
(PNW) has earned official designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)
by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). This designation makes PNW the
largest HSI in the state of Indiana.
Upon completion of
assessment, the U.S. DOE designates colleges and universities as HSIs that have
enrolled at least 25% of undergraduate full-time students who self-identify as
Hispanic or Latino. Since the 2022-23 academic year, PNW has enrolled a full-time
undergraduate student population that is over 25% Latino. Within that
population, approximately 70% are first-generation students. PNW’s enrollment
figures also show it serves the most Latino students among all Northwest
Indiana higher education institutions.
“Purdue University Northwest
is tremendously proud to earn this designation and represent our metropolitan
region and Indiana as the Purdue University system’s first Hispanic-Serving
Institution,” said PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford. “It is central to our
institutional mission and strategic plan to provide a high-quality academic and
learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive and supportive of all
students and their backgrounds. We are excited for the continued progress of
our Latino and first-generation students at PNW.”
Higher education institutions
designated as HSIs become eligible for several federal programs and grants
intended to enhance academic, on-campus and professional development
opportunities for all students. In 2023, the Biden-Harris administration
awarded more than $40 million to HSIs around the U.S. to expand educational
opportunities and improve retention for Latino students.
“At PNW, we understand that
the core responsibility of an HSI is to intentionally serve Latino students and
their families by embracing the richness of each background and culture to
enhance the student and family experience,” said Elizabeth Babcock Depew, vice
chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. “From K-12 engagement
to recruitment through graduation and career, PNW is committed to serving the
needs of our metropolitan region. We are very excited about the opportunities
our HSI designation presents to expand our strong relationships with local
school districts to encourage future generations, as well as to expand
on-campus programming and student support services to increase student
retention and ultimate graduation. Hispanic-Serving Institution is not only a
designation, it is a commitment to empowering students and their families
through education and opportunity.”
Regional and national leaders
praised PNW’s intentional efforts to advance higher education opportunities for
Latino students and help them persist to their degrees.
Congressman Frank Mrvan
stated, “Congratulations to all the leaders at Purdue University Northwest on
this outstanding announcement to successfully be designated a Hispanic-Serving
Institution. I look forward to continuing to build on this initiative and
appreciate the tremendous academic services and career opportunities that PNW
provides to all students throughout our region.”
“Identity is something to be
celebrated, especially at Purdue University Northwest," said Indiana State
Rep. Mike Andrade, co-chair of the PNW Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives
Advisory Board. "I am proud that PNW has been designated as a
Hispanic-Serving Institution by the federal government, as I have witnessed
firsthand how Latino and Hispanic students bring something unique to this
university and our community. The diverse backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints
of Hispanic and Latino students strengthen PNW and ultimately enrich our
nation.”
“Congratulations to
Chancellor Holford and the institutional team at Purdue University Northwest
for achieving Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) status and for demonstrating a
steadfast commitment to accelerating Latino student success by joining the Presidents
for Latino Student Success network," said Deborah A. Santiago, Excelencia
in Education CEO. "Excelencia is honored to make common cause with an
action-oriented, trendsetting chancellor who has answered our national call to
intentionally serve Latino, and all, students in higher education and ensure
America’s future.”