FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Melissa Utsuki
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mutsuki@citruscollege.edu
Citrus College Ranked Among Nation's Top 100 Minority Associate Degree Producers
Glendora, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2020) – For the second consecutive year, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education has ranked Citrus College first among all public two-year community colleges in the United States for the number of associate degrees awarded in English language and literature/letters to minority students.
A national newsmagazine dedicated to matters of access and opportunity in academia, Diverse: Issues in Higher Education recently released its annual "Top 100 Associate Degree Producers" edition. Using data from the 2017-2018 academic year provided by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, the publication reports statistics regarding the awarding of associate degrees to African American, Asian American, Hispanic and Native American students.
The Top 100 issue ranks the nation's colleges and universities according to the total number of associate degrees awarded. It also offers specific rankings in more than 50 major fields of study. Citrus College was ranked 18th in the nation for the total number of associate degrees awarded to minority students, and it was recognized in more than 80 other categories.
"It is truly an honor to be considered a national leader in awarding associate degrees to minority students. The Diverse: Issues in Higher Education rankings serve as a testament to Citrus College's commitment to fostering an inclusive culture," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Diversity is one of the college's foundational values and student success is at the core of our institutional mission. I am proud of the progress our faculty and staff have made in helping students of all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds reach their academic goals."
In addition to being ranked first for the number of associate degrees in English language and literature/letters awarded to minority students, Citrus College also ranked second for the number of associate degrees in social sciences awarded to minority students, fourth for the number of associate degrees in psychology awarded to minority students, and fifth for the number of associate degrees in multi/interdisciplinary studies awarded to minority students.
While Citrus College was recognized among the top 100 associate degree producers for awarding degrees to all minority students in 19 different categories, it was also recognized for its success in serving specific minority groups. For example, the college was ranked among the top 100 associate degree producers for awarding degrees to Hispanic students in 21 categories; for awarding associate degrees to Asian American students in 16 categories; for awarding associate degrees to African American students in eight categories; and for awarding associate degrees to Native American students in seven categories.
The Diverse: Issues in Higher Education rankings come on the heels of several other recent recognitions. In November, the Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education recognized Citrus College as one of the top colleges and universities in the nation for Hispanic students. And, in late October, the Campaign for College Opportunity named Citrus College a Champion of Higher Education for Excellence in Transfer for the fourth consecutive year.
"The Citrus College community is dedicated to increasing college completion rates, and it has worked to ensure that all students receive access to the academic, social and financial resources that are necessary to achieve success," said Dr. Patricia A. Rasmussen, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "On behalf of the board of trustees, I extend my sincere gratitude to the many individuals who have made these recent accolades possible."
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