Esperanza College was created in response to the lack of options in the Hunting Park community for people to pursue quality, affordable higher education.

In 1996, Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr., President of Esperanza, began pursuing his vision to have a college within the neighborhood. After visiting many colleges and universities, he met with the president of Eastern University, Dr. David Black. Inspired by a common vision, they initiated a partnership between Eastern University (EU) and Esperanza.

The result, initially, was a junior college called Nueva Esperanza Center for Higher Education (NECHE), which has now evolved into a full branch campus of Eastern University. Esperanza College is led by a joint governing body called the College Council that has stewarded policy-making and continuous growth.

Over the years the Council hired deans who could move the vision forward. In addition Rev. Danny Cortes has served as Chairman of the Council and is currently Vice-Chair of the EU Board of Trustees.


Miles of Hope: The Leadership of Dr. Sara Miles
Dean of Esperanza College, 2002-2005

The first cohort made up of 28 students were admitted in Fall 2000 with a special and unique curriculum that served the language needs of the Hispanic students while still maintaining the academic integrity of Eastern University’s curriculum. 

In July 2002, Dr. Sara Miles was appointed as founding Dean of Nueva Esperanza Center for Higher Education. Dr. Miles, from Eastern University, helped better establish the college, align it with EU curriculum and vision, and build the number of faculty and students.

A significant milestone during the Fall of 2002 was the approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Eastern University to award the Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies for NECHE students. This degree began with two concentrations: Business and Communication. By the Fall of 2003, word had quickly spread of a college in the community, thus attracting a more diverse group of students. The curriculum was adjusted to suit the needs of non-Hispanic students. By the following year, day classes were added, attracting graduating high school seniors.

The need for grant money was imperative for the college to grow both in terms of academics and physical space. In a joint effort Dr. Miles and Eastern University leaders applied for Title V funds. Once again another leap of faith was taken, as the organizations applied for one of the most nationally competitive grants which helps institutions better serve Hispanic students. In 2005 Dr. Miles retired just before learning that Eastern University would become the recipient of the prized Title V funds. NECHE was the smallest institution to ever be awarded these funds.  


Building on Hope: The Leadership of Dr. Jack Weaver
Dean of Esperanza College: 2005-2009

In 2005 Dr. Jack Weaver became the new Dean.  Dr. Weaver brought years of experience in engineering to his new role. With Title V funding secured, he was charged with supervising the infrastructure, remodeling and furnishing of the new college wing.

Along with new infrastructure came a new name, and in 2005 NECHE became Esperanza College.  During this time the Pennsylvania Department of Education gave Eastern University two significant recognitions: the status of Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), the first such award given in the state of Pennsylvania. Also at that time Esperanza College achieved branch campus standing. New academic concentrations in Early Childhood Education and Community and Human Services were introduced with two academic specialists hired to lead their development. The library was established and a librarian was hired to build the book collection and set up the online catalog and database subscriptions in conjunction with Eastern’s main library. Services were expanded in the areas of financial aid and recruitment, with major development in enrollment taking place. In 2008 Dr. Weaver stepped down as Dean and transitioned into retirement, but he later returned to teach at Esperanza College.


Future of Hope: Leadership of Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier
Dean of Esperanza College, 2009-Present

In January 2009, Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier accepted the position of Dean. Dr. Conde-Frazier has maintained the momentum of growth and development her predecessors had started. Today Esperanza College has an enrollment of over 200 students with significant increase in male attendance. The college has attracted highly qualified and diverse faculty from notable academic institutions.

A strong focus of Esperanza College has been student development, and continuous improvement of services offered. In 2010 the college added a full-time Director of Student Life which has allowed for special chapel services, special seminars (dubbed “Feminars”) for female students, Monday Morning Prayer meetings, and the creation of special interest clubs. Enrollment continues to rise with the help of a more solidified Office of Enrollment and Marketing supported by an expanded recruitment and enrollment staff. Intentional mentorship of students by faculty has also brought a new element of support and enthusiasm to the student body, and has aided retention efforts, resulting in a decreased withdrawal rate of freshman. The college plans to expand its concentrations in the near future, with the offering of a criminal justice concentration beginning Fall 2010.