Why the National Hispanic
University?
From the beginning, The National
Hispanic University has defined itself as a
Total University. Each educational program has
been designed as a stepping-stone for all
Hispanic and other students, from preschool
through undergraduate school. Along with a
diverse faculty and staff, all students act as
role models for younger students. This is
especially evident in the commencement exercises
when five-year-old students from El Nuevo Mundo
march in caps and gowns alongside NHU degree
students, as do former high school dropouts who
have earned their GED (high school equivalency)
diplomas. The NHU celebrates each
milestone as students move up the education
ladder.
According to the census bureau
report, 35 million Hispanics live and work in
the United States making it the largest minority
population in the U.S. Because of family size
and continuing immigration, this population is
the fastest growing in the country, increasing
five times as rapidly as the rest of the
population. Yet, Hispanics are also the
most poorly educated. Only about 50% of
Hispanics under the age of 19 finish high
school. Hispanics make up only 5% of the
students enrolled in U.S. colleges and
universities, and only one out of ten of them
graduate.
NHU's philosophy of high
expectations, academic support, mentoring and
role modeling for students in a small classroom
setting has helped diverse students overcome the
initial barriers to success. More than 80% of
the student body has been of Hispanic descent
along with African-American, Asian, American
Indian and White. NHU promotes peer support and
understanding. Similarly, the high
percentage of minority faculty and staff
provides role models and multilingual
assistance, as needed. All students are
encouraged to aspire to excellence. Much
is expected of them, even before they reach the
university level, as can be seen in NHU's
pre-school, middle and high school Educational
Talent Search, Upward Bound and Charter School
programs.
Other ethnic communities, most
notably African-Americans, have found solutions
to educational problems by establishing
institutions of higher education, which are
responsive to their particular needs.
These colleges and universities expect students,
regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds,
to assume leadership positions after graduation
and to be active as alumni providing a helping
hand to graduates. Woven into the fabric of the
student's university experience are positive
role models and support systems that encourage
students to seek excellence. NHU has adopted and
adapted these characteristics into its own
approach.
Quotes from
Distinguished Alumni:
“The quality of
education I received at NHU surpassed all other colleges because NHU
balances academics with a student support program that encourages high
self-esteem for women and men of all colors.”
Celina Rodriguez
Anchor, Telemundo/KSTS-48
NHU Graduate, 1993
“The diversity of
NHU’s student body helped me to understand the cultural mix in this
community, and the support network on campus uniquely prepared me to
better communicate with my own students once I started teaching.”
Jorge Jimenez
Teacher of the Year, 2000
San Jose Unified School District
NHU Graduate, 1999/Teaching Credential, 2000
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