Arcadia Doctoral Candidate Marcus A. Delgado Honored As Pennsylvania Association Of Hispanic School Administrators Administrator Of The Year

Arcadia University doctoral candidate Marcus A. Delgado '27EdD has been named Administrator of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Hispanic School Administrators (PAHSA). Currently serving as the Deputy Secretary for the Office of Administration at the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Delgado will be formally recognized for his decades of dedication to education at PAHSA's 21st annual gala in November.

Reflecting on the honor, Delgado emphasizes the community spirit PAHSA embodies for Hispanic educational leaders from across the state.

"PAHSA is much more than a professional organization; it is a community of Hispanic educational leaders who are committed to supporting one another," Delgado explains. "As Latinos continue to take on leadership roles in schools and districts across the Commonwealth, PAHSA offers the support, resources, and sense of belonging that help leaders grow both personally and professionally."

Learning he was this year's recipient was an emotional moment for Delgado. Not because of the recognition itself, but because the award represented the countless students, families, teachers, and colleagues who have been part of his journey.

"The truth is, no one goes into education expecting awards or recognition," admits Delgado. "We choose this profession because we believe in young people. We want to help prepare them for the future, share our knowledge and experiences, and inspire the next generation to dream bigger, achieve more, and create opportunities that perhaps we never had."

Delgado's career in education began as a social studies teacher in Philadelphia. At the age of 25, he was given the opportunity to open one of Philadelphia's first accelerated high schools for dropouts. During his tenure leading One Bright Ray Community High School, including five years as principal and 13 as CEO, the program expanded to six locations.

"Without question, my proudest professional accomplishment has been expanding the mission of One Bright Ray across the city of Philadelphia," Delgado shares. "I've dedicated my career to creating environments where students feel valued, supported, and capable of reaching their full potential. Seeing thousands of graduates become productive members of their communities reminds me every day why this work matters."

This work is also the focus of his dissertation. Previously, Delgado earned his Superintendent's Letter of Eligibility through Arcadia, making his return to the university a natural step.

"The main reason I chose Arcadia was that I already had experienced success here," Delgado notes. "For me, earning a doctorate isn't about adding a title in front of my name. It's about finishing a journey that has been decades in the making. Education has shaped my life and my career, and I want to take that journey as far as I possibly can."

Balancing high-level administrative responsibilities while continuing to invest in his own education is something Delgado is especially proud of. He believes that in order for students to embrace lifelong learning, educators need to model it themselves and stresses it's not so much about setting an example as it is about being one.

In his role as Deputy Secretary for the PDE, Delgado works behind the scenes to ensure educational systems function efficiently statewide. Despite shifting to state-level administration, his passion remains firmly rooted in the pivotal role of educators.

"Being an educator and an educational leader is one of the most rewarding professions there is," says Delgado. "Educators mentor, guide, encourage, and help shape the character and future of the next generation…Their impact extends far beyond the classroom and often lasts a lifetime."