Faculty Profile for Dr. Gloria Velasquez

Biography Section

Biography and Education

Profesora Gloria Velásquez is a native of Michoacán, México. She came to the United States at age 12 when her father, seeking a chance in life for his family, brought her and her six siblings to the “Land of Dreams.” She self-taught to write/read English and Spanish and obtained her GED at 24 years old. Furthermore, she teaches Spanish levels 1-4 at Texas State since 2002 and has taught at Texas Lutheran University, Austin Community College and Wharton County Junior College. Aside from her passion for teaching, she is also committed to diversity awareness; therefore, she co-organizes with her colleague, Alba Melgar, and other campus organizations and departments diversity oriented events every semester and established the organization (GADiA: Gloria and Alba, Diversity in Action). Due to her commitment and dedication, she was a recipient of the 2015 Excellence in Diversity Award and the College of Liberal Arts Excellence in Teaching Award in 2019. Aside from teaching, co-organizing events and mentoring students, she is advisor to three campus organizations: United Students against Sweatshops, Sigma Iota Alpha and Grupo Folclórico Ocotochtli. She is also a support faculty member to SCOPE (DACA and Dreamer Students at Texas State). Profesora Velásquez holds four degrees: Masters in Public Administration, Masters in Spanish, Bachelors in Political Science and Bachelors in Spanish. She is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Adult, Professional and Community Education and expects to graduate in May 2024.

Teaching Interests

Language, culture and political science.

Research Interests

Culture, diversity, immigration, education access, gender, equality issues and politics.