Description
Rolando Hinojosa-Smith
(1929-2022) was a Chicano writer and professor of literature and creative writing. His works
include novels, short story collections, poetry and essays, mostly centered on the
Mexican-American experience in Texas. He taught at University of Texas at Austin from
1981-2016.
Background
Rolando Hinojosa-Smith was born Romeo Daniel Hinojosa in 1929 in Mercedes, Texas, at the
Southern end of the Rio Grande Valley. He later changed his name to Rolando, and included
his mother's maiden name Smith (some of his works are credited to Rolando Hinojosa, later
others to R. Hinojosa-Smith). He wrote extensively from a young age, encouraged by success
in school-sponsored creative writing contests. He enlisted in the Army, and served in the
Korean War. Upon returning from his service he earned degrees from the University of Texas,
a masters from Highlands University in New Mexico, and Phd from the Unviersity of Illinois.
He worked at a variety of jobs, including High School teacher and chemical complany laborer
before beginning his career as a writer and literature professor. His novels, many of which
are set in the fictional Belken County, TX, center around Mexican American life in the Rio
Grande Valley and explore the hybrid culturality of that place. He was married twice and had
three children.
Extent
44.8 Linear Feet
29 cartons, 2 oversize boxes, 7 oversize folders
Restrictions
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to
examine collection materials is not an authorization to publish. These materials are made
available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission or reproduction
beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or
assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/spc/using-collections/permission-publish
Availability
Open for research. Collection is unprocessed and provided with only a box-level inventory.
Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
Audiovisual and born-digital materials are not available in original format and must be
reformatted to a digital use copy.