TUCSON, Ariz. — Dr. Javier Duran, professor of Latin American and Border Studies and director of the Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry at the University of Arizona, has received the 2026 Dr. Eugene García Outstanding Research in Higher Education Award from the Pete C. García Victoria Foundation. 

Duran was formally recognized in September at the Foundation’s 17th Annual Arizona Higher Education Awards. The annual event honors individuals whose scholarship, leadership, service, and accomplishments strengthen higher education and communities throughout Arizona. 

“[Javier] is not only deserving of this award, but the work he’s been doing is transformational and is going to transcend so much,” said Raul Aguirre, a member of the foundation’s board of directors. 

The award recognizes Duran’s contributions to Latin American and U.S.–Mexico border studies, as well as his longstanding commitment to interdisciplinary research, public engagement, and collaboration throughout the Arizona–Sonora border region. 

A native of the borderlands, Duran’s scholarship examines Latin American culture, migration, transnational communities, and the experiences and creative contributions of border communities. His work is grounded in the belief that meaningful research begins with listening to and learning from the people whose knowledge and experiences shape the region. 

“Javier, for many years now, has practiced what we call social science research. Most of us are interested in a particular discipline. Javier has merged and married those—psychology, sociology, and anthropology—to understand significant aspects of border culture and, significantly so, has published on both sides of that border” said Dr. Eugene Garcia, for whom the award is named after. 

“As an hijo de la frontera, a son of the border, growing up in the borderlands has shaped every dimension of my life,” Duran said. “My transfronterizo experience also shaped how I understand my role as an educator: to listen, to learn from the communities around me, and to create opportunities for others to see their own experiences as knowledge.” 

As director of the Confluencenter for Creative Inquiry, Duran supports interdisciplinary collaborations that connect University of Arizona scholars, students, artists, and community partners. Under his leadership, the center has advanced publicly engaged scholarship and creative inquiry focused on pressing social and cultural issues. 

Duran emphasized that the recognition also reflects the contributions of the many people and communities that have shaped his career. 

“This award is not just personal recognition,” he said. “It belongs to the students who have trusted me with their aspirations and ideas; to my colleagues and collaborators at the University of Arizona and throughout Arizona, Mexico, and beyond; to the Confluencenter team, whose creativity and commitment make interdisciplinary and publicly engaged scholarship possible; and to my family, whose love and support have sustained me throughout this journey.” 

Duran thanked Dr. Loui Olivas, Raul Aguirre, and the Foundation’s Board of Directors for the honor. He also recognized Pete C. Garcia’s legacy of strengthening communities through education, scholarships, and civic involvement. 

“Higher education must do more than welcome diverse communities,” Duran added. “We must invest in them, learn from them, and recognize them as essential partners in shaping our shared future.”