UT Professor Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez Honored for Championing Latino Voices

Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, a professor at the University of Texas at Austin, received recognition as one of the Texas 10 honorees for her significant influence on students. After dedicating 27 years to teaching at her alma mater, she expressed that the award felt like a "full circle" moment. Transitioning from a career in journalism to academia allowed her to prioritize family while still promoting her passion for journalism. Her Voces Oral History Center captures Latino experiences in the U. S.

through compelling oral histories, illustrating the vital link between journalism and storytelling. Rivas-Rodriguez emphasized the importance of UT as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, noting that Voces fosters a more inclusive atmosphere for Latino students. “Voces shows that the viewpoint of the Latino community is appreciated and acknowledged,” she stated. Her dedication to highlighting Latino narratives and mentoring aspiring journalists has left a lasting impact on both the university and the surrounding community. This recognition underscores the importance of diverse narratives in academia and journalism.