A Brief Examination of Institutional Advancement Activities at Hispanic Serving Institutions

Abstract

Clearly, increased funding at the local, state, and federal levels would go a long way to ensure the future success of Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) of higher education in the United States. Private funding and strong support from alumni groups are also a critical part of this funding mix. In addition, sophisticated and adequately funded marketing, public relations, and enrollment management efforts are needed. The funding of most HSIs is closely tied to the political process. Successful lobbying efforts and the structuring of a strong advancement effort is instrumental in building healthy institutions and ensuring high graduation rates. With this in mind, the goal of this study was to determine what level of importance is placed on institutional advancement activities by college and university presidents at select HSIs throughout the United States.