Purdue Northwest named Hispanic-Serving Institution
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The U.S. Department of Education has designated Purdue University Northwest as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a recognition for its ratio of Hispanic and Latino students that makes the university eligible for additional federal support.
The designation is awarded to colleges and universities that have enrolled at least 25% of undergraduate full-time students who self-identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to a news release from the university. Since the 2022-23 academic year, Purdue University Northwest has enrolled a full-time undergraduate student population that is over 25% Latino. Of those, about 70% are first-generation students.
“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,” Chancellor Kenneth Holford said in the release. “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.”
Purdue University Northwest is now eligible for several federal programs and grants intended to enhance academic, on-campus and professional development opportunities for all students. Last year, the Biden administration awarded more than $40 million to Hispanic-Serving Institutions nationwide to expand educational opportunities and improve retention for Latino students, the news release said.
“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,” said Elizabeth Babcock Depew, vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs. “Hispanic-Serving Institution is not only a designation, it is a commitment to empowering students and their families through education and opportunity.”
The university joins Grace College, Indiana University Northwest and Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting as Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Purdue University Northwest serves about 8,900 undergraduate and graduate students at its two campuses in Hammond and Westville and offers more than 70 areas of study.