“50-50-50” is a theme that Dr. Donna M. Carroll frequently uses when she describes Dominican University, where she has been president for 25 years. “We are 50 percent Latino, 50 percent Pell-eligible, and 50 percent first generation in college,” she says. “In terms of the distinctive demographic and the impact of the institution, I think that really says it.”

Dominican University, in River Forest, Illinois, an embedded suburb of Chicago, is also known for academic excellence, a Catholic Dominican mission that drives social justice advocacy on issues such as immigration reform, undocumented students, affordability and equity, plus commitment to the poor and respect for the individual. These and other qualities have led the institution to a unique position as a top Midwest university educating a significantly diverse student body.