Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication (HIHIC)
Mission
The Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication (HIHIC) in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University promotes a better understanding of Hispanic-related and international media communication through research, teaching, and community outreach. Our goal is to create knowledge and encourage greater intercultural awareness through informed interaction among students, teachers, researchers, media industry representatives, and community organizations. The Institute supports on-campus initiatives as well as external activities and collaborations related to its mission.
HIHIC Leadership

Kenton T. Wilkinson, Ph.D.
Director, Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication; Editor, International Journal of Hispanic Media; Professor, Journalism & Creative Media Industries
View Dr. Wilkinson's research profile.
HIHIC Director Kent Wilkinson's Chile Fulbright Blog

Lucinda Holt
Assistant Director for External Engagement, Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic and International Communication View Holt's research profile.
Distinguished Lecture Series
The Thomas Jay Harris Distinguished Lecture Series was established through the generosity of Thomas Jay Harris, an alumnus of Texas Tech University and former editor of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.
Past Speakers:Angharad N. Valdivia, Ph.D., Nicolas Kanellos, Ph.D., Silvio R. Waisbord, Ph.D., Robert Picard, Ph.D., Regina Montoya
Events
HIHIC hosts conferences that bring together students, industry practitioners, and academic researchers to explore Hispanic-oriented media topics. View upcoming events, past events, and event photos.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
8th Texas Tech University Hispanic/Latinx Research & Creativity Symposium
March 23, 2023 | Hybrid Modality
Call for Papers and Creative Projects:
Submit proposals by Monday, February 20, 2023. Read the call for papers.
The Thomas Jay Harris Institute for Hispanic & International Communication and Institute for Latino/a Studies are pleased to announce the 8th Texas Tech University Hispanic/Latinx Research and Creativity Symposium to be held Thursday, March 23, 2023. The symposium will be held in person and virtually (subject to change). It will feature research and creative work connected to Hispanic/Latinx topics by TTU faculty, staff, and students—graduate and undergraduate—working in any discipline. The symposium's continuing goal is to feature the work of Texas Tech scholars and artists as we continue to build strength as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
Call for Undergraduate Student Artists:
Artists of all diverse backgrounds are invited to help us display how YOU showcase
your sense of Latinx "orgullo y poder." First, second and third place prizes Please
submit your work by March 1st in a PDF, MP4 or JPG file or link, with a 250-word abstract.
Any form of tangible art may be submitted, initially via photo or video. [View flyer for Orgullo Y Poder]
Submit your artwork for Orgullo y Poder - Pride & Power
PAST EVENTS:
The Hispanic and Latin American Video Gaming Experience: Imagery, Industry & Audience, Feb. 25 - 26, 2022.
Annual Hispanic/Latino Media & Marketing International Conference
Publications & Projects
In 2019, undergraduate communication students enrolled at the Universidad Panamericana in Guadalajara, Mexico, and Texas Tech University conducted a series of interviews deepening their understanding of how news reporting and media representations can influence public opinion and collective social perceptions of another society. The full report presents the results of Mexican and United States citizens regarding bilateral relations and immigration for exploring how media influences our ways of seeing the other. Consult the report here.
Prior to the 2016 U.S. election, HIHIC published the report, “Political Engagement and Preferences Among Texas Hispanics.” Affiliated researchers have also conducted an extensive bilingual content analysis of 2016 election coverage by English- and Spanish-language television networks.
View more useful links.
International Film Series
Bringing International and Independent Cinema to the South Plains
International Film Series Schedule
Connect with Us:
College of Media & Communication
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Address
Texas Tech University, Box 43082, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.6500