Heritage University honors Native American elders as part of Native American Heritage Month Celebration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University honors Native American elders as part of Native American Heritage Month Celebration

Toppenish, Wash. – November is Native American Heritage Month, and Heritage University is celebrating with a variety of events that honor Native Americans in our communities, including the Honoring Our Elders ceremony taking place on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. During this event, the University continues a longtime tradition of celebrating four Native American elders for their lifetime contributions to their people and their community. This year’s recipients are Alyne DeCoteau, Loren Corpuz, Maxine Janis and Rosemary Miller.

ALYNE TMINSH WATLAMET DECOTEAU, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation she dedicated 32 years to educating and encouraging generations of children in the Yakima Valley. A longtime advocate for local artists, she also supported the annual Spilyay-Mi Native American and Western Art Show, guided by her belief that everyone has gifts worth nurturing and a purpose worth pursuing.

LOREN CORPUZ BOGED GD, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has spent his life serving others. After more than 30 years as an electrician and over a decade mentoring young people through boxing, he dedicated his retirement to honoring veterans and their families through music, earning recognition as Marine of the Year from the Yakima Marine Corps League.

LAKHÓL-WIČHÓH’AŊ GLUHÁ MÁNI WIŊ (MAXINE BRINGS HIM BACK-JANIS, ED.D.), an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux) Tribe, she has dedicated her career to equity, inclusion and improving healthcare and education for Native communities. Through her work as a healthcare professional, university educator and advocate, she has championed Native students and strengthened relationships with tribal communities while remaining grounded in the Lakota values of humility, identity and service.

ROSEMARY MILLER SKWINASH, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, has devoted more than 50 years to education and preserving the language and culture of the Yakama people. Since 1987, she has taught Ichishkíin/Sahaptin in the Toppenish School District, sharing language, traditions and cultural knowledge with generations of students to help ensure the Yakama way of life continues.

The Honoring Our Elders ceremony will be held on November 4, 2026, in Smith Family Hall at 10:30 a.m. and is by invitation only. The day will begin with a Flag Raising Ceremony conducted by the Yakama Nation Warriors Association at 9:00 a.m. at the campus entrance.

Other Native American Heritage Month events include:

November 5
Papawilluuksha
This gathering is centered on art, healing and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) awareness. The event features 20-minute keynotes from Patricia Whitefoot, Cissy Strong Reyes and Rose George-Whitefoot. Voluntary reflection and personal sharing are welcome.
Smith Family Hall 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

November 10
Gamers Unite
Participants will enjoy an afternoon of fun, laughter and friendly competition! Challenge your friends to Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or bring your own games and consoles to share. Snacks and drinks will be provided, so come hang out, make connections and enjoy some friendly competition with classmates!
Smith Family Hall 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

November 12
Ribbon Shirt/Skirt Workshop
Participants will get the opportunity to make ribbon shirts and skirts.
Smith Family Hall 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

November 13
Open Sewing Workshop
This workshop will focus on open beading, and participants will be able to craft and create whatever their heart desires.
Smith Family Hall 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

November 16
Rock Your Mocs!
Participants will be invited to wear their traditional moccasins and share their pictures on social media.
Campus wide, all day.

November 18
Holiday Bazaar
This is a community event featuring arts, crafts and wares by local vendors.
Smith Family Hall 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

November 20
Fashion Show by Elsie Blackwolf
This event will feature Elsie’s art and fabric work, modeled by her friends and family. The show will also feature a “Big Auntie Earrings” contest. Students with the Heritage University Native American Club (HUNAC) will sell walking tacos.
Smith Family Hall 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

November 24-25
Native American Heritage Month-Wa’paas Class
This event is a collaboration with Ttawaxt Birth Justice Center, Honoring Culture, Traditions, and Building Community. Students and Staff are warmly invited to join us for an evening of connection and culture. This gathering is an important space for Native Students to connect with our culture, strengthen identity, and build community with each other.
Patricia Wade Temple Room 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

November 30
Gamers Unite
Due to popular demand, a second Gamers Unite date has been set! This second event will take place November 30.
Patricia Wade Temple Room 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For more information on these events, please contact Julia Polk, President’s Liaison for Native American Affairs at (509) 865-0412 or polk_j@heritage.edu or Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University awarded $2.5 million grant to build nursing workforce pipeline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Awarded $2.5 Million Federal Grant to
Build Rural Nursing Workforce Pipeline

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University has been awarded a $2.5 million federal Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Grant to create a new pathway connecting rural high school students in the Lower Yakima Valley with nursing education, clinical experience and employment at local health care organizations.

The four-year grant, running Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2030, will support “A Case-Managed Pathway from Rural High Schools to Local Hospitals.” The initiative will help rural, first-generation and low-income students from 11 area high schools enter and complete Heritage’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and pursue careers in the region.

“This grant allows Heritage University to build a stronger bridge between our rural high schools, higher education and the health care organizations that serve our communities,” said Heritage University President Christopher Gilmer. “We want students to see a clear path from their own communities to a college degree, a nursing career and an opportunity to serve the people and communities they know best.”

Led by Heritage University Department of Nursing Chair Dr. Shelby Clark, DNP, RN, the project brings together Heritage, local schools, health care providers, workforce-development organizations and nursing workforce partners. Partners include MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital, Astria Health, Prosser Memorial Health, Benton-Franklin Health District, Washington Center for Nursing, South Central Workforce Development Council, Toppenish School District, Educational Service District 105, Yakima Health District and University of Washington GEAR UP. RGI will serve as the independent external evaluator.

The initiative centers on three areas:

College Readiness: Students will receive in-school advising, bilingual family outreach, campus visits, pre-nursing preparation and HESI A2 exam preparation.

On-Campus Case Management: Heritage students will receive individualized support, weekly case management, nursing and STEM tutoring, graduate mental health support and NCLEX-RN preparation to help them persist and succeed.

Workforce Transition: Students will gain hands-on experience through clinical placements, exposure to community-based research experiences, travel stipends and paid Nurse Tech positions with participating health care employers. Career preparation will include résumé and portfolio development, career fairs, employer connections and alumni services.

The project also will address a critical challenge facing rural nursing education — the shortage of qualified clinical instructors — through a near-peer clinical teaching pipeline designed to expand Heritage’s clinical capacity.

“Preparing more nurses for the Lower Yakima Valley requires more than simply recruiting students into a nursing program,” said Clark. “As Heritage University’s BSN program, we can make a lasting impact- not only on our students and the nursing workforce, but also on the patients and families we serve. We need to support students from the moment they begin thinking about college through graduation and into their careers. We want to educate holistic nurses who are prepared to care for their communities, grow their careers, and become lifelong members of the nursing workforce. This project brings education, health care employers and workforce partners together to create that continuum of support.”

The project is grounded in a rural-health collaborative involving more than 20 organizations and has received the endorsement of Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson. It also incorporates artificial intelligence literacy into curriculum and advising, including adaptive learning analytics and AI-assisted early-alert outreach.

Ultimately, the project aims to create a self-renewing, locally grown registered-nurse pipeline by increasing the number of rural students entering and completing nursing education, improving student persistence and licensure outcomes, and helping graduates find and remain in nursing positions in the Lower Yakima Valley.

The project also will produce an open-licensed toolkit that can be shared with other rural communities seeking to strengthen education-to-workforce pathways.

“This is about creating opportunity while strengthening the health care workforce right here at home,” Gilmer said. “When a student can graduate from a rural high school, attend Heritage, earn a nursing degree and begin a career serving their own community, everyone benefits.”

For more information, please contact Haley Delgado, project director at (509) 865-0442 or delgado_h@heritage.edu. For help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, public relations manager at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Ben Franklin Transit and Heritage University Expand Student Access to Public Transportation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ben Franklin Transit and Heritage University Expand Student Access to Public Transportation

KENNEWICK, Wash. — Heritage University Tri-Cities students can now use their student IDs as bus passes for free rides throughout the Ben Franklin Transit (BFT) service area, removing a transportation barrier to education, employment and other opportunities.

The program launched Oct. 12, 2026, through an agreement in which Heritage University covers the cost of student passes. Students can enroll through the university, joining Washington State University Tri-Cities and Columbia Basin College students who already benefit from the program.

The partnership gives Heritage University Tri-Cities students another affordable way to get to class, work and other destinations without the added costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance or campus parking.

“Transportation can be a significant barrier for students, particularly as they balance work, family, and their education,” said Adriana Villafan, Heritage University associate vice president for strategic initiatives. “This partnership with Ben Franklin Transit allows Heritage University to provide our Tri-Cities students with access to public transportation at no cost, removing one more obstacle between them and their academic goals. We are incredibly grateful to Ben Franklin Transit for their partnership and shared commitment to supporting students and expanding access to higher education in the Tri-Cities.”

Through this partnership, students at all three participating higher education institutions in the region can take advantage of the BFT Student Pass program, supporting greater access to education and employment throughout the Tri-Cities area.

About Ben Franklin Transit

Ben Franklin Transit is the public transportation system for the Tri-Cities area of Benton and Franklin Counties in southeastern Washington State. Our guiding purpose is to provide safe, reliable, affordable transportation to the community to support personal mobility, economic diversity, and growth. BFT’s Public Transportation Benefit Area (PTBA) covers 625 square miles and serves the cities of Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland, Benton City, Prosser, and the town of Finley.

About Heritage University

Heritage University is a private, non-profit, regionally accredited institution of higher learning offering undergraduate and graduate education from its primary campus in Toppenish, Wash. and from regional sites in Kennewick, Wash. and Pasco, Wash. Heritage University is located on the Yakama Nation and is the only private institution in the United States designated as both a Hispanic Serving Institution and a Native American-serving Non-Tribal Institution. For more information, visit heritage.edu.

Media Contacts

Ben Franklin Transit:
Tara Divers, Director of Marketing and Communications
509.975.9424 | tdivers@bft.org

Heritage University:
Adriana Villafan, Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
(509) 840-7532 | villafan_a@heritage.edu

Davidson Mance, Public Relations Manager
(509) 969-6084 | mance_d@heritage.edu

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Heritage University MSW online program named among top programs in Washington state for 2027

Heritage University Online Master of Social Work Named Top Online MSW Program in Washington State

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University’s Online Master of Social Work (MSW) program has been recognized as the number one online Master of Social Work program in Washington state for 2027 in rankings by MastersinSocialWorkOnline.org.

The recognition comes shortly after Heritage was ranked No. 1 in Best Value Colleges in Washington in Niche’s 2027 rankings. Together, the recognitions highlight two important aspects of a Heritage University education: providing students with access to high-quality academic programs while helping make a college education affordable.

“Recognition like this reinforces what we hear from our students every day: Heritage is a place where opportunity and affordability come together,” said Heritage University President Christopher Gilmer. “Whether a student is pursuing an undergraduate degree or advancing their career through a graduate program like social work, our commitment is the same — to provide an education that is accessible, relevant and transformative. These honors reflect the work of our faculty and staff who are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and make a difference in their communities.”

The annual rankings from MastersinSocialWorkOnline.org recognize social work education programs that contribute to the field and help prepare the next generation of social work professionals. The recognition highlights Heritage’s online MSW program as an option for students seeking advanced social work education with the flexibility to balance their studies with work, family and other responsibilities.

Heritage University’s MSW program prepares students for professional social work practice through an online format designed to provide flexibility for students while maintaining a rigorous graduate-level education. The program serves students who want to expand their knowledge and skills while preparing to make a difference with individuals, families and communities.

“Social workers play an essential role in strengthening individuals, families and communities, particularly in communities where access to services and support can be limited,” said Dr. Miguel Juarez, Heritage University MSW program director who oversees the online program. “Our MSW program gives students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills they need to serve those communities while providing a format that recognizes the realities of their lives outside the classroom.”

The MSW program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board on Accreditation. Heritage welcomed its first Advanced Standing MSW cohort in August 2024, with the first cohort graduating in July 2025. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University to welcome actor, author and veteran J.R. Martinez for Hispanic Heritage Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University to welcome actor, author and veteran J.R. Martinez
for Hispanic Heritage Month

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is proud to welcome actor, best-selling author and motivational speaker J.R. Martinez to campus on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as part of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Martinez will share his remarkable story of overcoming adversity and building a life beyond the circumstances that threatened to define him. His presentation, “From Tragedy to Triumph” will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Smith Family Hall on Heritage University’s Toppenish campus. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with refreshments available.

While serving in Iraq, Martinez suffered life-changing injuries that left him with severe burns. Rather than allowing the experience to define his future, he embarked on a career that has included acting, writing, motivational speaking and advocacy. Through his presentation, Martinez challenges audiences to overcome adversity, embrace change and discover what is possible when they refuse to be defined by their circumstances.

Martinez is perhaps best known for his role on the daytime television series All My Children and for winning Season 13 of Dancing with the Stars. He is also a New York Times best-selling author and has appeared on programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, 60 Minutes, Ellen and The Tonight Show. People magazine named him one of its 25 Most Intriguing People of 2011.

The event is part of Heritage University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions, cultures and achievements of Hispanic and Latino communities. The presentation is free and open to the public, but attendees are encouraged to register at Heritage.edu/JRMartinez.

This event is made possible through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Yakima and Heritage University. Together, these partners are proud to offer opportunities that celebrate diversity, foster cultural awareness, and bring nationally recognized voices to the Yakima Valley community. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, public relations manager, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Newly appointed Yakima County Superior Court Judge Bree Black Horse to join Valley students at Heritage University Youth and Justice Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newly appointed Yakima County Superior Court Judge Bree Black Horse to join Valley students at Heritage University Youth and Justice Forum

Toppenish, Wash. – High school students from across the Yakima Valley will gather at Heritage University’s Youth and Justice Forum on Friday, Sept. 25. The hands-on event will give students an up-close look at the justice system, careers in law, courts, corrections and law enforcement as well as their rights. Students will interact with judges, attorneys, correctional officers, K-9 units, SWAT teams and law enforcement drone operators while learning about the many career paths available within the justice system.

Newly appointed Yakima County Superior Court Judge Bree Black Horse Heritage University Criminal Justice faculty and Admissions Office organized the forum to give local students an opportunity to learn directly from professionals working throughout the justice system. Black Horse will also participate in several of the day’s sessions. Gov. Bob Ferguson appointed Black Horse to the Yakima County Superior Court earlier this month. She becomes the first Native American judge to serve on the Yakima County Superior Court. She brings more than 12 years of experience in public and private practice, handling criminal and civil cases in federal, state and Tribal courts.

As forum co-organizer, Black Horse said the event is designed to demystify the justice system while introducing students to the people who work within it. “Young people should be able to see themselves as future lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, and leaders in our justice system. We want students to leave with a better understanding of their rights, the many roles people play in the justice system, and—most importantly—a sense that these careers and opportunities are open to them, too,” said Black Horse.

The Youth and Justice Forum will be held Friday, September 25, 2026, in Smith Family Hall at Heritage University from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University to host two MacArthur fellows for Rooted Voices events

Rooted Voices

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Two MacArthur Fellows to come together at Heritage University for Rooted Voices

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Two nationally recognized MacArthur Fellows with deep ties to Washington state will come together at Heritage University this fall for Rooted Voices: Creative Exchange in Central Washington, a multi-day series exploring art, storytelling and community through workshops, public events and creative exchange.

The Heritage University series is one of a select number of projects chosen for Defying Boundaries: MacArthur Fellows at 45, a nationwide initiative celebrating the 45th anniversary of the MacArthur Fellowship program and the creative work of its recipients. The initiative highlights the creative courage and public engagement of MacArthur Fellows through projects that bring their work and ideas into communities.

Rooted Voices will feature Dr. Kathleen Ross, SNJM, co-founder and president emerita of Heritage University, and Trimpin, an internationally acclaimed German-born kinetic sculptor, sound artist and experimental inventor who lives and works in Seattle and Tieton, Washington. Both were named MacArthur Fellows in 1997.

Through the series, Ross and Trimpin will engage Heritage University students, community members and visitors through writing, art and creative exploration. Events are free and open to the public.

Rooted Voices Events

Welcome Event
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Smith Family Hall
4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Fellows Kathleen Ross and Trimpin and their work will be introduced.

Writing Workshop
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Petrie Hall 1111
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The writing workshop will be led by Dr. Ross.

Art Labs: Printmaking & Ceramics
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Petrie Hall 1101
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The art labs will be presented by Trimpin.

Installation Celebration
Friday, October 16, 2026
Virginia S. Hislop Gallery
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Stories and artwork created during the Rooted Voices workshops will be on exhibit at Heritage University beginning October 16.

Ross helped establish Heritage University and has spent her career advancing higher education and cross-cultural communication. Trimpin is known internationally for creating innovative sculptures and musical installations that combine technology, sound and movement. Their distinct approaches to education, art and creative expression provide the foundation for the Rooted Voices creative exchange.

“Having two legendary Fellows like Dr. Ross and Trimpin right here in the Yakima Valley gives our students and region a special opportunity to explore how art, education and storytelling intersect,” said Margot Stroop, assistant professor of visual arts at Heritage University and organizer of Rooted Voices. “When the MacArthur Foundation called for projects highlighting creative courage and public engagement, we immediately knew it aligned with our community’s spirit.”

The series is presented by Heritage University’s Humanities & Fine Arts department. Students, community members and visitors are invited to participate in all Rooted Voices events and workshops. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information and to RSVP for the events, visit heritage.edu/rootedvoices. For help with interviews, please contact Davidson Mance, Public Relations Manager, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University reports substantial enrollment growth for fall 2026

Heritage University reports substantial enrollment growth for fall 2026

Toppenish, Wash. – Heritage University is beginning the fall 2026 semester with strong enrollment growth at both its Toppenish and Tri-Cities locations, reflecting continued demand for the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs.

Fall 2026 undergraduate and graduate combined student enrollment is up more than 11% compared with fall 2025.

Contributing to the strength of this year’s enrollment is Heritage’s 88% retention rate of returning students, significantly higher than the national average of approximately 77%.

“An 88% retention rate is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the commitment of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Dr. Chris Gilmer. “Our students know that at Heritage they will be seen, heard and supported. Our faculty and staff take extraordinary steps to help students overcome obstacles and stay on the path to graduation.”

The enrollment gains reflect strong demand for Heritage’s academic programs and its student-centered approach to providing accessible, high-quality higher education throughout the region.

Several undergraduate programs are experiencing particularly strong demand, including nursing, social work and education. At the graduate level, enrollment continues to grow in Heritage’s Master of Social Work and Master of Mental Health Counseling programs.

The growth also reflects Heritage’s continued commitment to creating pathways to a four-year degree for students who may not traditionally have had access to a university education. For graduate students, Heritage provides working professionals with opportunities to advance their careers while balancing the demands of work, family, and school.

“The strength of our fall enrollment is evidence that students and families see Heritage as a place where they can achieve their educational goals,” said Gilmer. “Students are choosing Heritage not only to begin their degrees, but to finish them, advance their careers and prepare for the next chapter of their lives. We are very encouraged by the confidence students are placing in Heritage.”

Heritage University Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Beth Durodoye said the enrollment numbers represent much more than institutional growth.

“Behind every enrollment number is a student who has made the decision to invest in themselves and their future,” said Durodoye. “These students are choosing Heritage because they see a path forward here. We are excited about what their success will mean for them, their families and the communities they will serve.”

For more information, contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator, at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University names Dr. Yesenia Rodriguez as Director of Sponsored Programs

Yesenia Rodriguez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University hires director of sponsored programs to secure and manage grant funding

Toppenish, Wash. – Doctora (Dra.) Yesenia Rodriguez has joined Heritage University as the Director of Sponsored Programs, a role that will have a significant impact on the university’s ability to raise grant funds that will support students, faculty, long-term growth of the university.

Dr. Rodriguez is charged with identifying funding opportunities through federal agencies, state programs, foundations and corporations that are potentially supportive of Heritage. She will oversee post award-compliance and collaborate with external and internal partners as well as administrators and faculty who are lead investigators of federal, state or private grants.

Rodriguez’s work will support faculty research and innovation through finding funding, writing proposals, and making sure applications are competitive. Sponsored funding can also expand opportunities for students by creating paid research positions, internships, scholarships, and academic support programs, to name a few.

Heritage University President Chris Gilmer says as both a federally designated Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution and Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), Heritage is eligible for funding opportunities that many others can’t access. “As the Director of Sponsored Programs, Dra. Rodriguez can help maximize the possibilities and bring in extra funding to campus that will strengthen programs that support first-generation and historically underserved students,” said Gilmer.

As an alumnus of Heritage University, Dra. Rodriguez comes with 19 years of professional experience with pre-award grant management, proposal development, budget design, and managing post-award compliance. She worked with departments including finances, HR, institutional research and executive leadership to strengthen grant operations and program delivery. Rodriguez comes to Heritage from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families where she served as the preschool development grant administrator. Her professional experience includes higher education leadership positions working for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Yakima Valley College. She has experience working in the K-12 public education system, community programs, and workforce and human services. Rodriguez earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Washington State University, her M.Ed. in Educational Administration from Heritage University, and a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Office Management from Central Washington University.

Rodriguez is excited to return to Heritage University and share her enthusiasm, philosophy and vision for building a strong grants culture. “I am looking forward to working faculty and staff to identify federal, state and community funding opportunities that will support the university’s mission and give faculty and staff the tools they need to serve our students,” she said. “And as a member of the Hispanic community, I am excited to work for an HSI where Hispanics are the majority, as I want to serve as a mentor for current and future Hispanic students and inspire them to achieve their goals and dreams,” she said.

Heritage University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Beth Durodoye, says Rodriguez’s contributions will be an important step towards enhancing Heritage’s reputation and attract talented faculty. “What excites me most about Dra. Rodriguez joining Heritage is that she understands grants aren’t simply about securing funding—they’re about creating opportunities. Every successful proposal has the potential to empower a student, support faculty research, strengthen a community partnership, or launch an innovative program. Her collaborative approach and passion for higher education make her an outstanding addition to our academic leadership team.”

Dra. Rodriguez joined Heritage University in July 2026. For more information, please contact Davidson Mance, media relations coordinator at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.

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Heritage University Master of Social Work Program Earns National Accreditation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heritage University Master of Social Work Program Earns National Accreditation

TOPPENISH, Wash. — Heritage University’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program has earned accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA), affirming the program’s commitment to preparing highly qualified social workers to serve communities throughout Washington state and beyond.

“This accreditation is a tremendous achievement for Heritage University and a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Heritage University President Chris Gilmer.” This accreditation attests to the quality of our MSW program and the value of a Heritage education. As the only private university in the nation that is both a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution and a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Heritage is committed to preparing compassionate, culturally responsive professionals who will make a meaningful difference in their communities. This is true for all our graduates and nowhere is this more critical than in the Social Work profession.”

Development of Heritage University’s MSW program began in January 2023, with social work faculty designing a graduate program that would increase access to advanced social work education across Washington state. The program welcomed its inaugural Advanced Standing cohort of 22 students in August 2024, with those students graduating in July 2025. A second cohort, consisting of both Advanced Standing and Traditional Two-Year students, began in August 2025. The Advanced Standing students completed the program in July 2026, while the Traditional Two-Year cohort will graduate in July 2027.

Accreditation by the CSWE signifies that Heritage University’s MSW program meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards through a rigorous peer-review process. It confirms the program has the resources, curriculum and faculty necessary to fulfill its mission while meeting all accreditation standards. The accreditation applies to all program locations and delivery methods, providing students, employers and community partners with confidence that graduates are prepared with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for professional social work practice.

Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, the primarily online program meets on campus just seven times each semester, making graduate education accessible to students from communities throughout Washington. Current students come from the Yakima Valley, Tri-Cities, Seattle, Othello, Moses Lake, Mattawa and other communities across the state. Enrollment continues to grow, with 52 students expected to begin the program this fall and approximately 60 students anticipated to enroll in the coming academic year.

Ruby Aguilar, chair of the social work department at Heritage University, said accreditation from the CSWE is more than a recognition. “It validates the countless hours, hard work that our faculty and staff invested in building this program. Our students placed their trust in us even before we earned accreditation, and this achievement is meaningful not only to us, but to every student who believed in our vision,” Aguilar said.

Miguel Juarez, director of Heritage University’s Master of Social Work program, said accreditation assures students they are receiving an education that meets the highest national standards.

“Our goal has always been to prepare social workers who are equipped to address complex challenges while honoring the strengths and cultures of the communities they serve. We are proud to develop leaders who will advocate for equity, justice and positive change,” Juarez said.

For more information or help with setting up interviews, please contact Davidson Mance at (509) 969-6084 or mance_d@heritage.edu.