Latino Studies Scholar Joins Political Science, Blair Center

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Xavier Medina Vidal

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Xavier Medina Vidal will join the Department of Political Sciences in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences this fall as the Diane D. Blair Assistant Professor in Latino Studies. He comes to the University of Arkansas from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, where he served as an assistant professor of political science.

Medina Vidal's research interests include U.S. politics and Mexican politics. In U.S. politics he focuses on Hispanic/Latino political behavior, Latino political thought, state politics and policy, race and ethnicity, ethnic media, and immigration politics. Regarding Mexican politics, he studies legislative and subnational politics, and parties and elections. Medina Vidal has been published in top-ranked political science journals such as Political Research Quarterly.

"We look forward to Dr. Medina Vidal's future accomplishments at the University of Arkansas," said Margaret Reid, department chair. "He has proven himself a talented researcher and passionate advocate for Latino Studies."

Within the department, he will be part of the Blair Center of Southern Politics and Society. This team of scholars approaches the study of the American South from a variety of angles, attempting to reveal the undercurrents of politics, history and culture that have shaped the region over time.

"When analyzing trends in the South, the Latino community is a critical piece of the puzzle," said Angie Maxwell, director of the Blair Center. "Dr. Medina Vidal's perspective will be a wonderful addition to the work we've been doing."

He has served as a fiscal policy analyst for the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee. He has also been awarded the Professional Development Grant from Virginia Tech and the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Departmental Diversity Grant.

"I am incredibly excited to start my career at the University of Arkansas and to contribute to the university and to the Arkansas Latino community," said Medina Vidal. "The Fulbright College faculty and their advocacy for peace through education make this campus a great place to be."

Medina Vidal earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and Spanish and Master of Arts in political science from the University of New Mexico. He received a doctorate in political science from the University of California, Riverside.

About the Department: The Department of Political Science offers Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Public Administration degrees. Political science is the traditional undergraduate major of choice for students seeking careers in public affairs, law or academia. It carries out J. William Fulbright's legacy in international education by offering students internationally-oriented paths such as foreign service, intelligence or international development.