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Translating Research into Practice

We empower postsecondary institutions to put proven strategies for becoming more student-ready and serving-focused into action. By helping to fast-track adoption of evidence-based approaches and strategies, the Institute is scaling access and excellence nationwide.

Initiatives Supporting the Work

 

Applying the Insights

Student Success Modules

Our capacity-building trainings, workshops, and tools are designed to empower postsecondary institutions to implement successful strategies for increasing access, supporting all students, and ensuring academic excellence. The goal is to turn knowledge into action and eliminate implementation barriers for schools of any size. We cover research-based practices and institutional strategies for success that blend scholarship, operational practices, and interactive dialogue.


Core Areas of Focus

Our applied work focuses on helping institutions examine, adapt, and strengthen the following areas of practice to better serve students:

  • Institutional mission, leadership and policies
  • Academic and curricular structures, design, and outcomes
  • Experiential and career readiness opportunities
  • Contextually relevant support systems and offerings
  • Community and cross-sector partnerships


Modes of Engagement

  • Interactive, practice-based learning experiences designed for individual participants or institutional teams
  • Offered across higher education and professional contexts, including campuses, conferences, and associations
  • Flexible formats—from multi-day workshops to focused sessions, virtual engagements, and invited talks
  • Collaborative design processes that align content and approach with institutional goals, context, and operational realities
  • Led by UTEP leaders and scholars in collaboration with partners and host institutions

 

An Experienced Team

Anne-Marie Núñez, Ph.D.

Executive Director
Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success
Dr. Gary Edens

Gary Edens, Ed.D.

Professor of Practice and Retired Vice President for Student Affairs
UTEP
Azuri Gonzalez

Azuri Gonzalez, Ed.D.

Regents’ Endowed Distinguished Director
Diana Natalicio Institute for Hispanic Student Success
Dr. Jesus Cisneros

Jesus Cisneros, Ph.D.

Department Chair & Associate Professor
Educational Leadership & Foundations
UTEP
Dr. Erin Doran

Erin Doran, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Foundations, UTEP
UT Regents' Excellence Program
Dr. Heather Smith

Heather Smith, Ph.D.

Vice Provost for Advising, Academic Success, and Student Support
UTEP
Dr. Louie Rodriguez

Louie Rodriguez, J.D.

Vice Provost for Professional Development, Engagement, and Strategic Initiatives
UTEP
Jenna Lujan

Jennifer (Jenna) Lujan, M.Ed.

Director
Center for Community Engagement
UTEP

Join Us to Support Student Success

The Diana Natalicio Institute is leading the charge to integrate access and excellence throughout higher education. By strengthening educational institutions, developing leaders, and advancing research that produces actionable knowledge, we make it easier to become a student-serving campus.

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