2020-21 Gold Nugget: Carlos Spector
B.A. Criminal Justice, 1978
M.A. Sociology, 1981
Carlos Spector enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school and served most of his time in Germany. After an honorable discharge, the El Paso native spent one year in an Israeli kibbutz (commune) and returned home to enroll at UTEP, where he honed his analytical skills that led to his decision to pursue a law degree.
Throughout the years, he has participated with several civil and immigration rights groups such as LULAC and the Texas Latino-Jewish Alliance and co-founded Mexicanos En Exilio. His work has been honored by many human rights organizations and featured in two award-winning Mexican documentaries as well as in Mexican and Canadian doctoral dissertations.
To give back, Spector, has taught a Mexican political asylum course as a guest lecturer with UTEP’s Center for Inter-American and Border Studies program, which he said has confirmed his commitment to the University and the border.
“I’ve loved UTEP for as long as I can remember,” Spector said. “I took great pride in the school because of the ’66 championship basketball team and because it’s my father’s alma mater. I knew that is where I would pursue my education.”