Dr. Irma BecerraWith 25.1% of its undergraduate population identifying as Hispanic, Marymount University became the first Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) in Virginia.
Currently, 539 institutions qualify as an HSI, which must enroll at least 25% Hispanic students, according to the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
Overall, among the undergraduate and graduate populations combined, Hispanic students make up 20%, according to the university.
To support Hispanic student success on campus, Marymount launched “¡Avanzamos!” This initiative coordinates across departments to ensure that students’ needs are being met.
“This goal has been in our sights for some time now and is an achievement that the entire University community can be proud of,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, president of Marymount University, in a statement. “It goes beyond simply enrolling this population of students. College attendance among Hispanics has continued to increase nationally since the turn of the century, but the overall graduation rate has lagged behind. It is our mission to get these students to the finish line and have them earn degrees that will secure their future.”
