Institute for Latina/o Studies

The College of Arts & Sciences announced, on Nov. 16, 2021, the formation of the Institute for Latina/o Studies. The Institute for Latina/o Studies will serve as a dedicated hub for research, teaching, internationalization, and community engagement and be led by a dedicated interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff. The Institute represents the latest investment by Texas Tech, a recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, in its outreach to members of Latino and Hispanic communities. 

The Institute for Latina/o Studies is the result of the collective efforts of the existing Latin American and Iberian Studies Center and the Mexican American and Latina/o Studies Center. Together, they form the foundation of the Institute for Latina/o Studies. With the support of numerous faculty and staff, this group builds on existing efforts within the College of Arts & Sciences and across campus. It seeks to galvanize alumni, administrators, faculty, staff, and students in service of goals that support Texas Tech, as a Hispanic-serving Institution, and the larger Lubbock community.

As a Carnegie Tier One and Hispanic-Serving Institution, Texas Tech and the College of Arts & Sciences recognize the past and present contributions of the Mexican American and Latino communities. The mission of the Institute for Latina/o Studies is to serve and capitalize the intellectual development of student success with an equal commitment to serving the local community and practicing engaged scholarship. Those faculty, staff, and students who are affiliated with the Institute for Latina/o Studies will work to enhance people's understanding and appreciation of various Latino and Hispanic cultures, including associated practices, histories, and economic conditions.

Efforts to hire an executive director for the Institute of Latina/o Studies are ongoing.