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MinerAlert
President Emerita Diana Natalicio’s tenure at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ was marked by key milestones that transformed both the university and the broader landscape of higher education. She championed the idea that broad access and high academic standards could, and should, coexist. Her steadfast dedication to opening doors for students and raising expectations continues to shape and inspire the Institute’s mission today.
President Emerita Diana Natalicio’s focus on excellence in education for all students transformed Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ into a national model for Hispanic-serving institutions.
Dr. Natalicio served as the 10th president of Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ from 1988 to 2019. Throughout her 31-year tenure, she challenged critics who said it was impossible to open access to higher education to everyone and still offer an excellent educational experience. Dr. Natalicio’s pursuit of making Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ an exceptional research university while remaining committed to student access and success was relentless. She was a steadfast advocate for students, dedicated to ensuring Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ’s growing enrollment reflected the demographics of the surrounding Paso del Norte region.
During her tenure, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ’s enrollment grew from less than 15,000 to more than 25,000 students. Hispanic student enrollment increased from 54% to more than 80%. Through research-based student success models, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ has seen a 149% growth in degrees awarded during the 21st century and has a retention rate that is higher than the average selective university while staying true to its mission of access and social mobility. Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ is one of only 30 Hispanic-Serving Institutions with the highest Carnegie research designation and the only one with a 100% acceptance rate. In 2019, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ was awarded the Seal of Excelencia, a national certification by Excelencia in Education conferred to institutions with a commitment to serve Hispanic students.
To preserve and reflect on this legacy, the Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success has commissioned an oral history project to capture reflections on Dr. Natalicio’s leadership and enduring impact.
President Emerita Diana Natalicio spoke with both conviction and purpose, combining deep personal commitment with a visionary understanding of higher education’s role in society. Her speeches reflect the values that shaped her leadership: access, excellence, and an unwavering belief in student potential. These principles continue to guide the work of the Natalicio Institute, serving as a lasting testament to the impact she made and the mission we carry forward.
APLU 2012 Annual Meeting
Dr. Natalicio advocates for mission-driven, inclusive higher education during her address at a national convening of university leaders.
2016 Hispanic Heritage Awards
Honored for her lifelong commitment to educational opportunity, Dr. Natalicio reflects on her legacy and values.
Conversation with Evan Smith
A wide-ranging interview about leadership, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ’s transformation, and higher education’s responsibility to its community.
Saint Louis University Commencement
Dr. Natalicio inspires graduates to pursue change and stay rooted in purpose, drawing from her own remarkable journey.