Salem State Earns National Seal Of Excelencia Certification

SALEM, MA — Salem State University was awarded the Seal of Excelencia — a national certification from Excelencia in Education recognizing colleges and universities for continuous improvement in outcomes for Latino students and all students.

Salem State is among 21 institutions to earn the seal in 2026.

According to Excelencia in Education, only 55 institutions nationwide have earned the Seal of Excelencia. The organization said Seal-certified institutions represent less than 2% of colleges and universities, yet enroll 16% and graduate 18% of Latino students, while also enrolling and graduating 8% of all students.

The Seal of Excelencia is awarded through what Excelencia in Education described as a rigorous national certification process. The group said the designation is earned through alignment of data, evidence-based practices and leadership strategies aimed at student success.

Salem State said its work has focused on becoming more student-centered and data-informed through participation in the Excelencia in Action network.

"We didn't set out simply to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. We set out to become an institution that truly serves all students," said Salem State University President John Keenan. "That meant listening to our students, understanding the barriers they face and making intentional changes to help them succeed.

"Earning the Seal of Excelencia is national recognition that confirms we're on the right track, but it isn't the finish line. We are proud of what we've accomplished, and we are committed to building on that progress over the next three years and beyond — for our Latino students, for all students and for the communities that depend on their success."

Excelencia in Education leaders also pointed to the role Seal-certified schools play in higher education.

"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."

The university said efforts have included using additional data to better understand Hispanic and Latino students, investing in language access for multilingual families and faculty development, and expanding student resources and programming.

Salem State also said it is working to expand pathways to a degree through early college programs, direct admission practices, multilingual engagement, online programs and improved transfer pathways for community college students.