LOS ANGELES, Aug. 9, 2010 – Loyola Marymount University has been
identified as one the most successful universities in the nation at
graduating African-American and Hispanic students, according to twin
studies released by The Education Trust.
LMU was among 11 public and private universities singled out for the
best combined graduation rates for Hispanic and African-American
students. The studies, “Big Gaps, Small Gaps,” had two components, with
one study focused on Hispanic students and the other on African-American
students. The studies examined the disparity in the graduation rates
of Hispanic and African-American students when compared to white
students at the same institutions.
LMU ranked No. 7 among private institutions with the most-favorable
graduation rates for Hispanic students and No. 13 for graduating
African-American students. Historically African-American colleges were
not included in the survey.
Researchers Mamie Lynch and Jennifer Engle said LMU’s success was
partially due to its Catholic, mission-driven education, which embraces
educating traditionally underserved students.
They also singled
out LMU and two other universities for “promising practices” that
“promote equally strong results for students of all ethnic
backgrounds.” These include: strong leadership from the president and
administrators in driving student success, successful recruiting efforts
and close data monitoring to identify struggling students early and
provide needed help.
“We are extremely proud to be recognized by The Education Trust for
our success in recruiting and graduating students from traditionally
underrepresented groups,” said David W. Burcham, interim president of
LMU. “The intercultural, interreligious and interracial dialogue at LMU
embodies who we are. We constantly search for ways to expand the rich
academic environment of our campus.”
The Education Trust (http://www.edtrust.org/)
is a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the
opportunity and achievement gaps experienced by young people from
low-income families or who are African-American, Latino or American
Indian. Foundations supporting The Education Trust include: The Bill
& Melinda Gates Foundation, the Carnegie Corporation of New York,
the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation and
the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
For more details about the studies go to:
http://www.edtrust.org/dc/publication/big-gaps-small-gaps-hispanic
http://www.edtrust.org/dc/publication/big-gaps-small-gaps-african-american