November 30, 2004

UCSD Appoints Jorge Huerta To New Posts
of Associate Chancellor And Chief Diversity Officer

By Pat JaCoby

Marye Anne Fox, chancellor of the University of California, San Diego, today announced the appointment of Jorge Huerta, professor of Theatre, to the new dual post of associate chancellor and chief diversity officer.

Fox said Huerta will act as an important liaison between the Chancellor’s Office and the faculty, and, additionally, will focus on programmatic options for the University’s diversity efforts. The recommendation to consider an associate chancellor and chief diversity officer stemmed from a variety of reports, most recently from the Chancellor’s Diversity Council and the Senate-Administration Task Force on Underrepresented Faculty.

He will assume his new position Jan. 1, 2005.

As a 29 year UCSD veteran, Huerta has many titles to his credit. A scholar, director, and former high school teacher, he holds the Chancellor’s Associates’ Endowed Chair III as professor of Theatre at UCSD. He is a leading authority on contemporary Chicano and U. S. Latino Theatre as well as a professional director. He has published a number of articles, edited three anthologies of plays and two landmark books: Chicano Theatre: Themes and Forms (Bilingual Press, 1982) and Chicano Drama: Performance, Society, and Myth (Cambridge 2000). Huerta also has directed in theatres across the country, including the San Diego Repertory, Seattle’s Group Theatre, Washington D.C.’s Gala Hispanic Theatre, La Compania de Teatro de Albuquerque and New York’s Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre. He also is known internationally for his work in Chicano/Chicana theatre. In 1989, Huerta headed the country’s first and only graduate program training actors and directors dedicated to Latino theatre.

“I am delighted Jorge Huerta has accepted the appointment of associate chancellor and chief diversity officer. He brings a focused and unique perspective on how UCSD can expand its reach locally, nationally, and internationally. His commitment to involving all communities in shaping UCSD’s future will only enrich the quality of campus life in the coming years.” Fox said. “His appointment to this important leadership position reflects UCSD’s goal to involve all communities in the administration of our campus. We believe this is essential to strong and balanced governance, which I aim to be a signature of this administration.”

As one of the foremost experts in the field of Chicano theater, Huerta puts the work of many artists and authors into a cultural and historical perspective. His commitment to Chicano/Chicana theatre is deeply engrained in the belief that theatre is a great vehicle for sharing and conveying common ground and understanding – and can help bring a Latino/Latina influence into the overall fabric of our society.

“I am honored and humbled to have this wonderful opportunity to work with all constituencies in making sure they have a voice, and an ear, in the Chancellor’s Office” said Huerta. “Increasing the involvement of the various constituencies, can only help us achieve our University-wide goals and strengthen relationships in all communities.”

Huerta will work half-time in the Chancellor’s Office. He will be responsible for coordinating efforts and working with colleagues university-wide to enhance UCSD’s overall diversity and will be the primary liaison between the University and the individual communities to increase communication and collaboration.

Huerta has been a panelist and reviewer for the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, the National Research Council and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. He founded El Teatro de la Esperanza and was also a co-founder of the Old Globe’s Teatro Meta and co-founder of Teatro Máscara Mágica, also in San Diego. He has traveled widely in the Unites States, Western Europe and Latin America presenting lectures and workshops on Chicano theatre. He has lectured in Venezuela, Panama and Mexico City, and represented the United States at international theatre festivals in Colombia and Cadiz, Spain.

Huerta received his BA and MA in Drama from Cal State University, Los Angeles (formerly Cal State Los Angeles) and his PhD in Dramatic Arts from UC Santa Barbara. Huerta was the first Chicano, nationwide, to receive a PhD in theatre.

Married for 38 years to Ginger DeMirjian Huerta, Huerta has two sons, Ronald and Gregory, both graduates of UCSD. He was born and raised in East Los Angeles.

Media Contacts:
Stacie Spector, (858) 534-3120 or Pat JaCoby, (858) 534-3120