The Latina/Latino Studies Program at the University was formally established in 1996 with the hiring of Dr. Rolando Romero as the Director. The establishment of the Program was largely propelled by student activism in 1992. The Program was housed and continues to be housed in the former location of La Casa Cultural Latina, the cultural house for Latina/o students. During the first year, six faculty were recruited as part of the Latina/o Studies recruitment effort. These affiliate professors taught in the fields of anthropology, history, political science, sociology, and curriculum and instruction. During that first year, Latina/o Studies courses, which included cross-listed courses, were offered.

The Program now offers thirty-three courses, including several graduate level courses, and has twenty-three faculty and faculty affiliates. In 2001, the Program began offering postdoctoral fellowships. Since then, seven postdoctoral fellows have spent the year at the Program conducting research and teaching classes. A host of students have received a Minor in Latina/Latino Studies. Some of these students have gone on to pursue graduate work in Latina/o Studies. The Program has hosted several national conferences and invited Latina/o Studies scholars who are prominent in their respective fields. These events, as well as the hiring of distinguished faculty in the field, have continued to enhance the Program.