President Obama Taps Miami Dade College President Dr. Eduardo J Padrón to Lead National Initiative

MIAMI – – President Barack Obama announced today his selection of Miami Dade College (MDC) President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón to chair a new White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans by signing an Executive Order.

“I want to thank Eduardo Padron for this. He is a leader in my efforts,” said President Obama during his presentation before signing the Executive Order. “The U.S. must again lead the world in the percentage of college graduates.”

In addition to this latest recognition, in 2009, TIME magazine included President Padrón on the list of “The 10 Best College Presidents” in the nation and, earlier this year, Florida Trend magazine named him “the 2010 Floridian of the Year.” He is the recipient of many other distinctions and honors especially for advocating for the nation’s underserved and their access to quality higher education.

Dr. Padrón’s energetic leadership extends to many of the nation’s leading organizations including the Association of American Colleges & Universities where he is the immediate past board chair and the American Council on Education where he is vice-chair and chair-elect.

In his role with the White House Initiative, Dr. Padrón will lead a Commission with 30 members comprised of academics, business leaders and philanthropists charged with the responsibility of providing guidance to the Administration on education issues related to Hispanics and to address academic excellence and opportunities in the Hispanic community.

The White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans aims to increase educational attainment for Hispanic children and youths and to close the achievement gap between Hispanic students and their non-Hispanic peers.

President Obama signing new White House Initiative.
In his speech today, President Obama also expressed his support of the DREAM Act.
“Every child in this country should have the chance to rise above any barrier and reach their potential to dream bigger, hope deeper and climb higher,” added the President.

Under Dr. Padrón’s leadership, MDC has become the largest institution of higher education in the U.S., serving 170,000 students at eight campuses and numerous outreach centers across Miami-Dade County. He is widely recognized as one of the top educational leaders in the world and is often invited to participate in educational policy forums in the U.S. and abroad. During his career, President Padrón has been tapped by five American Presidents for posts of national prominence.

After signing the Executive Order, President Obama shook Dr. Padrón’s hand.