Today@Sam Article
Promoting Access: SHSU Celebrates HSI Week
Sept. 26, 2024
SHSU Media Contact: Mikah Boyd
By Damikka Willis
Sam Houston State University became federally designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in 2022. During the week of Sept. 11, SHSU recognized this distinction and the critical role it has in educating and empowering the youth, improving access to education and amplifying fairness by participating in National HSI Week.
“Our status as an HSI speaks to who we are as an institution, the type of students that we attract and the type of Bearkats that we place out into society,” said Director of Collaboration and Outreach Jalon Berry. “I think a lot of the amazing programming, events and education that we provide our campus, faculty, staff and students with definitely creates better citizens to go out into society.”
In 1992, Congress formally recognized the designation, and access to this has made Sam Houston State eligible for additional grant funding to better serve Hispanic students and has given SHSU the opportunity to network with other HSIs.
HSIs spearhead efforts to improve access to and the quality of higher education and achievement for the state’s Hispanic population. Despite representing only 20% of institutions nationwide, nearly two-thirds of all Hispanic students attend HSIs, according to The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.
“One of the biggest things that we're focusing on as an institution is the serving aspect of the phrase Hispanic Serving Institution,” Berry said. “By focusing on serving, we're able to key in on all students and really ensure that everyone has a positive experience here at Sam Houston State University. We really want to embody the service aspect of being a Hispanic Serving Institution.”
Sonya Ortiz, a junior at SHSU, reflected on the importance of state colleges and universities providing resources to serve students.
“Specifically in Texas, with Mexico being right near us and the border regions of Texas being predominantly Hispanic populations, I think it's extremely important to expand our reach to Hispanic students, specifically first-gen students,” Ortiz said.
Departments around campus hosted fun and interactive events all week long to promote the importance of National HSI Week and what it means to be a part of this great distinction. The week-long celebration included events like HSI Week Jeopardy, lotería, a book talk about National Book Award finalist, “Undocumented Americans” as well as other informative activities that were offered to all students.
- END -
This page maintained by SHSU's Communications Office:
Director of Content Communications: Emily Binetti
Asst. Director Content & Social Media: Emilee White
Communications Manager: Mikah Boyd
Telephone: 936.294.1837
Communications Specialist: Campbell Atkins
Telephone: 936.294.2638
Please send comments, corrections, news tips to Today@Sam.edu