Luis Alvarez

Luis Alvarez is a Professor of History at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), affiliated with the School of Arts and Humanities. He holds leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of History, Associate Dean for Academic Personnel and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Director of the Chicanx Latinx Studies Program. His research focuses on race, pop culture, and social movements in U.S.-Mexico borderlands and Latinx communities.

Education:

• B.A. in History, UC San Diego
• Ph.D. in History, University of Texas at Austin

Research Interests: Alvarez examines the intersections of race, cultural expression, and social change. His work spans topics like zoot suit culture during WWII, utopian visions in Latinx pop culture, and the Mexico-U.S. soccer rivalry as a lens for migration and citizenship. He co-leads the Race and Oral History in San Diego Project, documenting local histories of race and militarism.

Advising & Initiatives: He spearheaded the Latinx Cluster Hire Initiative and contributed to academic equity through roles like Director of the Institute of Arts and Humanities. His courses include surveys on U.S. history, Chicana/o history, and seminars on race and cultural politics.

Current Project: His new book, Border Pitch: A History of the Mexico-U.S. Soccer Rivalry, explores diaspora, migration, and citizenship through sports.