COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is one of the nation’s top universities in the education of people of Hispanic descent, according to the editors of Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education magazine.
In the Nov. 21 edition, the Paramus, N.J.-based magazine cited UCCS along with 11 other Colorado universities as “Publisher’s Picks” for “doing a commendable job of recruiting, retaining and graduating Hispanics.”
The magazine cited universities in all states and the District of Columbia.
In a column that preceded the rankings, Jose Lopez-Isa, publisher, wrote:
“We tip our hats to all the hardworking and talented administrators, faculty, counselors, mentors, grant writers, fund-raisers and active alums at these Publisher’s Picks and others yet to come. And (we) offer a special thank you to the high school teachers and counselors everywhere who inspire young people to dream of and don the cap and gown.”
Specific criteria for the selection were not cited although Lopez-Isa suggested questions students should ask when selecting a college. Among the suggestions were whether the campus had a critical mass of Latinos as students and professors as well as an examination of student support programs.
Jim Henderson, vice chancellor, Student Success, applauded Lopez-Isa’s suggestion that students closely examine their potential college choices. He also expressed appreciation for the magazine’s recognition of UCCS.
“I am deeply appreciative of the recognition that Hispanic Outlook has provided UCCS,” Henderson said. “This helps us let students know that a high-quality affordable college education is within their reach and that we are committed to helping them succeed.”
For the fall 2005 semester, 655 UCCS students self-identified themselves as being of Hispanic descent. Additionally, there are 29 members of the UCCS faculty who are of Hispanic descent, and in May 2005, 95 students of Hispanic descent graduated from UCCS.
In addition to UCCS, the magazine cited the following Colorado universities: Colorado State University, Community College of Denver, Front Range Community College, Metropolitan State College, Pueblo Community College, University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Colorado at Denver, University of Denver, University of Northern Colorado and the University of Southern Colorado, now CSU-Pueblo.
The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education is published 25 times a year and reaches a broad audience of educators, administrators, students, student service and community-based organizations and corporations. Each edition highlights the significance of communication in academic circles, the importance of positive learning experiences, the contributions of both Hispanic and non-Hispanic role models, and constructive observations on policies and procedures in academia. For more information, visit http://www.hispanicoutlook.com.
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually.