Felician University named to VOLARÉ Cohort, Ranked Among Top 100 Hispanic-Serving Colleges by Washington Monthly.

Rutherford, N.J. – As we near the kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month, Felician University proudly celebrates two notable achievements: its selection by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) into the second cohort of the VOLARÉ (Visioning, Organizing, Leading, and Advancing the Research Enterprise) Institute, and its ranking in Washington Monthly’s Top 100 Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges in America. 

Beginning this fall, Felician will be one of 25 higher education institutions to undertake a year-long mission with VOLARÉ to expand and enhance STEM participation and research initiatives for students and faculty. This initiative positions our university with a more diverse and inclusive skill set to navigate new research methods and capacity-building activities, helping us compete for future funding and grant opportunities. 

The VOLARÉ Institute project, led by Dr. Oralia De los Reyes at HACU, is designed to build research capacity at institutions of higher education through specialized training and development. Over the course of three years, the initiative will support three cohorts of institutions, each participating in a year-long institute focused on enhancing institutional research infrastructure and readiness. 

In addition to this recognition, Felician has been ranked #30 in Washington Monthly’s Top 100 list of America’s Best Hispanic-Serving Colleges. Representing one of three ranked New Jersey colleges, Washington Monthly’s list is developed through a series of comprehensive reviews based on the strengths of a college’s social mobility efforts and service to the community. Their goal is to recognize colleges that value the protection and advancement of their underprivileged student population, highlighting the importance of improving the enrollment and graduation rate for Hispanic students in the U.S. 

“Felician’s selection for the second cohort of VOLARÉ and our ranking by Washington Monthly as a top Hispanic-Serving Institution are incredible recognitions,” said Marilú Marcillo, Dean of the School of Business and Information Sciences. “Over the last couple of years, our emphasis has been on creating in-demand majors and career preparation, knowing the difference this makes in the lives of our students, especially those who are the first in their families to attend college. These initiatives will allow us to build on our commitment to social mobility and create lasting impacts for both current and future students in our community.” 

Felician University is deeply committed to growing equity in education, embracing its role as an HSI to enrich the academic, cultural, and professional experiences of all its students, and to support tomorrow’s leaders rooted in Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and human dignity.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]