About Me

Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, F. Chris Garcia was the eldest among six siblings born to Flaviano Perea Garcia and Crucita A. Garcia. His roots in the state can be traced back to Juan Lopez Holguin, an early settler who arrived in the Santa Fe area in 1598. Garcia commenced his early education at St. Francis Catholic Xavier School, where he spent his initial seven years before his family relocated to the north valley of Albuquerque in 1947. He completed his high school education at Valley High School in 1957.

Following high school graduation, Garcia joined the New Mexico Air National Guard and served for six years while pursuing higher education at the University of New Mexico. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1961 with a major in Government and Citizenship. Fueled by his passion for education and teaching, Garcia pursued further studies at UNM, obtaining a master's in Government and Education with a Secondary Education certificate. Encouraged by mentors, he aspired to prepare for a career in teaching at the college level.

Garcia's academic quest took him to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he began political science studies in 1964. Subsequently, he transferred to the University of California, Davis (UCD), completing his doctoral program in political science and earning a Ph.D. in 1972.

Beginning: A Family and Career

In 1967, Garcia tied the knot with Sandra Dorine Galloway, a fellow graduate of Valley High School and the University of New Mexico, marking the commencement of a fulfilling personal life alongside his burgeoning career. The couple returned to Albuquerque in 1970 after Garcia secured a faculty position in the Political Science department at the University of New Mexico.

As an Assistant Professor of Political Science, Garcia embarked on his academic journey while working on his doctoral dissertation, which delved into the political orientations of Mexican American children in California. Throughout his career, he taught American Politics, Public Opinion, Political Socialization, and New Mexico Government courses. With expanding interests in education and ethnic group politics, Garcia developed and taught courses on Politics and Education, The Politics of Ethnic Groups, and Chicano Politics.

F. Chris Garcia's scholarly contributions led to his promotion to Associate Professor in 1974 and Full Professor in 1978. He became recognized as a leading scholar in Hispanic/Latino politics, campaigns, elections, and New Mexico politics, earning him a reputation as a sought-after commentator and analyst for local, national, and international media outlets. In recognition of his accomplishments as a teacher, researcher, and scholar, he received the title Distinguished Professor of Political Science.

Professor

Beyond his commitment to teaching, Garcia actively engaged in professional organizations such as the American Political Science Association, the Western Political Science Association, the Western Social Science Association, the Southwestern Social Science Association, and the American Association for Public Opinion Research. His expertise and contributions to these organizations earned him prestigious positions, including Vice-President of the American Political Science Association and Western Political Science Association President.

Throughout his illustrious career, Garcia authored, co-authored, edited, or co-edited over sixty books, monographs, chapters, articles, and reviews. Among his notable publications are "The Political Socialization of Chicano Children" (1973), "The Chicano Political Experience" (1977), "Latinos and the Political System" (1988), "Latino Voices: Mexican, Puerto Rican and Cuban Perspectives on American Politics" (1992), "Pursuing Power: Latinos and the Political System" (1997), "Hispanics and the US Political System: Moving into the Mainstream" (2008), and multiple editions of "New Mexico Government" (1976, 1981, 1994, 2006).

One of Garcia's most significant research endeavors was his involvement as the Co-Principal Investigator in the Latino National Political Survey, the first nationally representative study focusing on the political attitudes and behaviors of Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans. From 1987 to 1993, the study involved extensive research and in-person interviews with over 2,800 Latinos and 598 non-Latinos nationwide.

Administration

While Garcia did not initially plan to pursue a career in higher education administration, circumstances led him to make an unplanned entry into this field. In 1975, he was appointed Assistant Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New Mexico. His dedication and leadership skills soon earned him a promotion to Associate Dean, followed by his appointment as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 1980. Notably, he became the first Hispanic American to hold the university's Dean position, overseeing the college's academic departments, institutes, centers, and museums and taking on the roles of CEO and CFO.

After a national search, Garcia was selected as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs in 1987, a position he held until 1990. Following his term as AVP, Garcia returned to the political science faculty but was twice called back to serve as interim Provost, from January to July 1993 and from August 1998 to January 2000. In 2002, Garcia's esteemed colleagues petitioned for his appointment as the President of the University of New Mexico. Although initially hesitant to return to administration, he accepted the position as a demonstration of collegial support, making history as the first Hispanic American to hold this prestigious position at UNM.

Research and Publications

F. Chris Garcia's extensive research contributions have solidified his reputation as a distinguished scholar. His publications cover a wide range of topics within political science, including Hispanic/Latino politics, campaigns, elections, and the New Mexico government. Throughout his career, Garcia presented numerous papers, acted as a discussant at professional conferences and conventions, and served as a consultant to various civic, political, and educational organizations.

Awards and Honors

Garcia's outstanding achievements have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. Some notable distinctions include the Silver Horizons Albuquerque Hall of Fame (2009), Distinguished Service Award from the North Central Association Higher Learning Commission (2007), Bernard S. Rodey Award for Educational Leadership from the UNM Alumni Association (2004), Governor's Distinguished Public Service Award from the State of New Mexico (2003), and the Franklin J. Goodnow Award for Distinguished Service from the American Political Science Association (2001). Garcia's contributions have earned him a place in prestigious publications like Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who Among Hispanic Americans.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Garcia finds joy and fulfillment in music, particularly singing, his passion since he was just three years old. He also shows an unwavering commitment to philanthropy, consistently contributing to numerous international, national, and local charities to positively impact needy communities.

Notable Events and Anniversaries

An upcoming milestone in Garcia's life is his 56th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sandra Dorine Galloway, on September 2, 2023.

Through his remarkable career as an educator, scholar, researcher, author, public opinion pollster, and higher education administrator, F. Chris Garcia has left an indelible mark on the academic community and the Hispanic population. His dedication to Teaching, research, and administrative leadership have shaped the landscape of political science and higher education at the University of New Mexico and beyond.