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Alumni Relations
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Salem State is not just keeping pace with the future— it’s shaping it. With a forward-thinking vision for the next generation of learners, the university is embracing its mission to serve all students in our region, emphasizing its commitment to access, improved graduation rates and economic mobility for all, inclusive of our growing Hispanic student population.
Since 2018, the university has been on the path to becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)—a designation for two- and four-year colleges and universities that enroll a diverse student population comprising more than 25 percent Hispanic students. By fall 2024, Salem State met this milestone and became the first four-year public HSI in Massachusetts. The campus community has embraced this identity and is being intentional about serving our diverse student population, positioning Salem State as a leader in New England higher education.
Guiding the effort is Assistant Vice President for HSI and MSI (Minority-Serving Institution) Initiatives Elisa Castillo, PhD, who is committed to fostering an inclusive campus—not only for the Hispanic community but for everyone. “As a campus community, we created a ‘roadmap’ to be an intentional HSI-MSI. We gathered student data to help prioritize our efforts, and we are making data-informed decisions to help close equity gaps,” Elisa shared.
Current HSI-MSI efforts under Elisa’s leadership include professional development for faculty and staff, increased access to culturally responsive programming—from welcoming speakers like ABC News correspondent John Quiñones to taking students to national conferences—and translation services for admissions and financial aid materials for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking parents. “These efforts are possible because of the many cross-campus collaborations between students, faculty, staff, and alumni,” Elisa said.
Last summer’s inaugural New England Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution conference further exemplifies the university’s leading position with the sold-out Salem State event serving as an example of the escalating demand to focus on this growing population and elevating the important work of HSI-MSI designated colleges and universities. The conference was made possible through a consortium grant involving three other institutions that are two-year HSIs in Massachusetts.
“Becoming an intentional HSI-MSI not only recognizes and values our student population and the communities where they come from, but it also helps us update our institutional practices so that all students can thrive,” she said. “The goal is to make sure all students feel welcome on campus and can access the resources that will help them succeed.”
Through this initiative, Salem State plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future—not just for Hispanic students, but for society as a whole.
Pictured above: Salem State students and staff at the inaugural New England Hispanic- and Minority-Serving Institution conference.
