SUNY Ulster Recognized as Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution, Promises Enhanced Benefits for Local Hispanic Students

SUNY Ulster, a New York college, has been named an 'Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution' (HSI) by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). This title is given to colleges where over 14% of students are Hispanic, and there's potential to reach a 25% threshold in the coming years. Currently, Hispanic students make up 17% of SUNY Ulster's student body.

This recognition is a key achievement for SUNY Ulster, showing its dedication to affordable and flexible education for the Hispanic community. Among 270 colleges in New York State, only 28 have this status, even though Hispanics are the second-largest racial group in the state. In Ulster County, where the college is based, nearly 11% of the population, or 19.4K people, are Hispanic.

SUNY Ulster's President, Alison Buckley, Ed.D., emphasized the institution's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. She noted that the emerging HSI status will bring more resources to support these commitments. Chief Diversity Officer, Candice Van Dyke, agreed, stating that the status will enhance their efforts and improve student services.

As an Emerging HSI, SUNY Ulster's Hispanic students can now access scholarships, paid internships, and leadership programs. These benefits will expand once the college achieves full HSI status. HACU's President and CEO, Antonio R. Flores, commended SUNY Ulster's dedication to their students and community and pledged HACU's support for the college's journey to becoming a full HSI.

HACU, founded in 1986, represents over 500 colleges and universities dedicated to Hispanic higher education success in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Latin America, Spain, and U.S. school districts. It is the only national educational association that represents Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

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