Purdue University Northwest earns Hispanic Serving Institution designation from U.S. Department of Education

The U.S. Department of Education has recognized Purdue University Northwest as an official Hispanic Serving Institution. To be named as a certified Hispanic Serving Institution, a school must have an undergraduate enrollment of 25% Hispanic students, based on student self evaluation. Purdue University Northwest has exceeded the 25% requirement since the 2022-2023 school year. Additionally, about 70% of those students are also first-generation college students.

According to an article on Purdue University Northwest’s website, Elizabeth Babcock Depew, who serves as the vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, was quoted as saying of the recognition and what it means for the school and its campus community, “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. 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.”

Being named a Hispanic Serving Institution grants certain opportunities to Purdue University Northwest, such as the ability to pursue programs and grants that are for designated Hispanic Serving Institutions. In 2023, President Biden directed $40 million in funding specifically to Hispanic Serving Institutions around the country in order to help improve retention rates of Hispanic and Latino students.

Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford shared his gratitude for the designation, saying, “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. 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.”

Indiana State Rep. Mike Andrade serves as the co-chair of the PNW Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives Advisory Board. Andrade has been able to witness the efforts the university has made in order to help its Hispanic and Latino students succeed. On this designation, Andrade said, “Identity is something to be celebrated, especially at Purdue University Northwest. 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.”

Purdue University Northwest has an Office of Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives that offers numerous services aimed at helping Hispanic and Latino students succeed at the university. The office provides students with success coaches, translation services, a scholarship database, networking opportunities, access to cultural events, and more. Latino students who graduate from Purdue University Northwest can visit the Office of Hispanic-Serving Institution Initiatives to receive an affinity stole to wear at graduation.

For more information about Purdue University Northwest, visit the school’s website.