Outlook outage: Microsoft is experiencing a widespread outage. Outlook and other products may be unavailable. Check ITS Service Status page for updates.

Intentionally serving Latino students

MSU Denver stands out as a beacon of excellence in higher education. In 2023, we became the first higher education institution in Colorado to earn the prestigious Seal of Excelencia, and in 2026, we proudly achieved recertification. This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to serving students from all backgrounds through data-driven practices, evidence-based strategies, and strong institutional leadership.

 

The Seal of Excelencia recognizes institutions that demonstrate a commitment to Latino undergraduate student success, a population historically underrepresented in higher education. MSU Denver earned this distinction through its efforts in key areas such as student retention, degree completion, transfer services, and institutional culture. Only 39 higher education institutions have earned this recognition, and we are proud to be among them.

MSU Denver’s journey toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) began in 2007, when Latino undergraduate students represented just 13% of our student population. Reaching the required 25% was an ambitious goal, but we achieved it in 2019. Today, Latino undergraduate students make up approximately 37% of our student population, and we continue to build on our commitment to serving our diverse community.

Earning the Seal of Excelencia
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution
Janine Davidson, Ph.D.; MSU Denver President Manuel Del Real, executive director for HSI and Inclusion at MSU Denver Diego Arturo Garcia Reyes

Getting the Seal of Excelencia again signifies how far we’ve come, but also reminds us of how far we should continue to strive. We’ll never get to the perfect place, so we are always going to continue to try to serve our students.”

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.

President, MSU Denver

MSU Denver is committed to being a model Hispanic-Serving Institution. We are the only institution in Colorado to earn the Seal of Excelencia. Earning recertification of the Seal of Excelencia continues to affirm MSU Denver’s leadership, best practices, and commitment to servingness for our Latine students and all students, faculty, and staff. The Seal also serves as an accountability tool that guides our 2030 University Strategic Plan."

Manuel Del Real, Ph.D.

Executive director for HSI and Inclusion

Since my first day at MSU Denver, I have felt welcome and supported. It makes me proud to be part of a university that truly cares about Latino student success."

Diego García

First-generation student, senior studying Finance

The path to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution and Earning the Seal of Excelencia

2007

MSU Denver forms HSI Task Force with a goal of becoming an HSI by fall 2018.

2012

The MSU Denver Board of Trustees initiates a special tuition rate for qualified resident students, including undocumented students.

2013

The Colorado legislature passes the ASSET bill to provide in-state tuition for qualified undocumented students at public higher education institutions.

2016

MSU Denver creates HSI Implementation Team.

2017

MSU Denver crosses 25 percent threshold for Latino student population.

2019

MSU Denver granted HSI designation by the U.S. Department of Education.

2023

MSU Denver becomes the first Colorado higher-education institution to earn the Seal of Excelencia and is named a Fulbright HSI Leader.

2024

First statewide Colorado HSI Summit host by MSU Denver. MSU Denver was honored with The CLLARO Alianza Award.

2026

MSU Denver earns recertification of the Seal of Excelencia.

Discover more about MSU Denver

Request Information

Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.

Academic Programs

200+ undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree customizable paths to choose from.

Apply now

Wherever you’re heading, your road begins here. Let’s go.