A New Chapter: Seton Hall Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution

The U.S. Department of Education recently recognized Seton Hall University as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI). The designation is granted to accredited public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education where Hispanic or Latino students comprise at least 25 percent of full-time undergraduate enrollment.

A milestone achievement made possible through the Higher Education Act, this official recognition allows the University to apply for federal grants that support educational opportunities for Hispanic students and strengthen our capacity to serve an increasingly diverse student body.

Seton Hall now joins more than 650 colleges and universities nationwide recognized as HSIs. This group of schools collectively serves more than 5.6 million students. According to federal projections, Hispanic students will make up 30 percent of the undergraduate population across the U.S. by 2030 — a demographic shift that underscores the growing importance that Hispanic-Serving Institutions will have in shaping the future of higher education.

At Seton Hall, the growth in Hispanic enrollment has been steady and significant, evolving organically over the last two decades. Among undergraduates, Hispanic enrollment rose from 8.7 percent of the student body in 2005 to 29 percent today. Graduate enrollment has seen a similar climb — from 4.8 percent to 14.4 percent over the same period. These increases mirror national trends reported by the Pew Research Center, which found that the number of Latino undergraduates in the U.S. more than doubled between 2000 and 2019 – from 1.5 million to a record 3.8 million. Pew also reported significant gains in advanced degrees among Hispanic men and women between 2000 and 2021.

A Welcoming Community

The University attributes this growth to its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. In 2024, Seton Hall took an important step toward deepening those core values, by becoming a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

“Our affiliation with the HACU helped us achieve our current status as a Hispanic-Serving Institution,” explained Ghana Hylton, director of Campus Inclusion and Business Affairs. “We’re getting the support we need to enrich the experience of all our students.”

Membership in HACU, combined with the new HSI designation, opens the door to expanded student opportunities, including internships, scholarships, leadership development programs and advocacy at the federal level. It also provides the University with a network of peers and resources to continue enhancing the campus experience for all students.

Interim Provost Erik Lillquist emphasized that Seton Hall’s dedication to access has been part of its identity since its founding in 1856. “In solidarity with the life and work of our patroness, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, we have long welcomed students from every walk of life who strive for academic excellence and personal growth,” he said. “Becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution affirms that tradition and strengthens our resolve to create even more opportunities for hardworking students.”

Student Voices

For Issys Ortega, a first-generation senior and education and English double major, Seton Hall’s HSI designation is a point of pride and a sign of progress. “It acknowledges the importance of Latinx voices, experiences and contributions within our university community,” Ortega says. “It creates space for students like me to feel seen, valued and empowered to bring our whole selves into the classroom and beyond.”

Andrea Herrera, a senior majoring in psychology, echoes that sentiment, noting that Seton Hall’s HSI status “is more than a title.” Herrera, a recent HACU scholarship recipient who plans to pursue a career in neuroscience, views the designation as recognition of “the vital presence of Hispanic students.” She added that this acknowledgement helps students thrive – and reminds them that their culture and ambitions matter.

A Legacy of Support: The Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute

Seton Hall’s commitment to Hispanic students is perhaps best exemplified by the Joseph A. Unanue Latino Institute. Originating as the Puerto Rican Institute in 1974, the program was re-established through a gift from Joseph A. and Carmen Ana Unanue in 2005 as the Latino Institute, with a focus on academic excellence, cultural enrichment and leadership development.

Over the past two decades, the Institute has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships, while offering students immersive experiences in Latino history, culture and language. Each year, students participate in more than 50 on-campus and community programs, from the Distinguished Speaker Series to leadership workshops and service-learning opportunities.
“The Institute is a place where students of all backgrounds can grow intellectually, celebrate the contributions of Latinos and develop as servant leaders,” said Executive Director Lori Tarke. “We provide access to accomplished Latino leaders and mentors who encourage and guide our students, while fostering a deep sense of responsibility to give back to the next generation through meaningful community service. Our students are inspired to see themselves as contributors to the next wave of American Latino history makers and gain a deeper understanding of doing business with this market and Latin America.”

The Institute’s reach extends beyond campus, collaborating with community organizations, cultural institutions and international partners. Programs like Ella Triunfa (She Triumphs) showcase Latina leaders in various fields, while service-learning trips provide students with life-changing, hands-on experiences in Latin America. Recently recognized by Binje, as a top non-for-profit, the Latino Institute is an impactful resource rooted in history, values and celebration.

Looking Ahead

With its new federal designation, Seton Hall is poised to expand these efforts even further, ensuring that Hispanic and Latino students not only feel at home on campus, but also have the resources, mentorship and opportunities they need to thrive.

“This designation is more than a recognition of where we are,” Hylton said. “It’s a launching point for where we can go. The grants we can now apply for will allow us to invest in student success in new ways that will have an even more lasting impact on their lives.”

As Seton Hall approaches its 170th anniversary, the HSI designation marks a new chapter in the University’s legacy of access and inclusion. It reaffirms that the University’s future — like the nation’s — will be shaped by the success of its diverse and dynamic student body. It also serves as a reminder that fostering a welcoming community is a goal inspired daily by Mother Seton, founder of Catholic education in America, whose inspiration calls us to work with purpose and dedication.

Seton Hall proudly celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 – October 15. Join us on the Green for our annual HHM Kick Off on Monday, September 15, beginning at noon. Watch for additional events honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Categories: Campus Life