The College of Liberal Arts appointed a new chair for Chicano studies this month.

Louis Mendoza, currently a professor of English and associate dean for college advancement at the University of Texas in San Antonio, will begin June 14.

He has a doctorate in English and his studies focus on ethnic and Third World literature.

“I want to create one of the better nationally known programs in the country,” he said. “I want to work with the dean to bring new faculty to campus and work with admissions and outreach programs to bring more Latinos to campus.”

Mendoza said he thinks it is important to develop a partnership with the community and would like to get grants to fund community-based research.

“Everyone’s really excited about him,” said Eugenia Smith, director of communications for the College of Liberal Arts. “He has a powerful new vision.”