Selfa Chew-Melendez

Dr. Selfa Chew-Melendez is an academic leader at the University of Texas at El Paso with a dual doctorate in Borderlands History (2010) and Teaching, Learning, and Culture (2023). As Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the College of Liberal Arts, she oversees undergraduate enrollment, academic honesty policies, curriculum development, and chairs the Curriculum Committee. She also directs the Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) and Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) programs.

• Doctorate in Borderlands History (2010), University of Texas at El Paso
• Doctorate in Teaching, Learning, and Culture (2023), University of Texas at El Paso
• MFA in Creative Writing

Her research focuses on US-Mexico borderlands history, ethnic studies, and pedagogical strategies for curriculum innovation and academic integrity. She is also dedicated to addressing student retention and academic probation.

Dr. Chew-Melendez has received notable recognition for her scholarship, including:

• International Latino Book Award
• Southwest Book Award for her book Uprooting Community: Japanese Mexicans, World War II, and the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands

She has taught courses in US, Mexican, Asian American, Latin American, and African American history for nearly 20 years at UTEP and plays a pivotal role in coordinating secondary education programs with the College of Education.