Strategic Plan

“We do research with communities.”

Since our 2016 launch, the Latino Research Institute has often used this statement to describe
our work. Over the past seven years, we have forged alliances and established programs in
partnership with a variety of communities – from faculty researchers, to students, to community
organizations.

Latinos are the largest population group in Texas and the fastest-growing group in the country.
By creating new knowledge through our research and preparing future leaders through our
research training programs, our work improves the lives of all Texans by better understanding
the challenges facing Latinos. Igniting Change: A Strategic Plan for a Better Tomorrow
prioritizes the work required in the coming years to create a better future for Latinos and their
communities. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with all who share our goals.

Dr. Deborah Parra-Medina

RESEARCH

Produce high impact interdisciplinary research

• Design and conduct research that addresses health disparities and promotes health equity
• Implement innovative and rigorous methodologies responsive to culture, social, and geographic contexts
• Create a network that actively engages researchers and supports the production of outstanding scholarship
• Actively commit to engagement in community collaboration, co-creation, and shared leadership

EDUCATION

Prepare and nurture a talent pipeline of future scholars and leaders

• Sustain and enhance academic research career programs for LRI scholars at all stages of development.
• Provide experiential learning and educational opportunities that contribute to student success. 
• Facilitate leadership development of LRI researchers and affiliates.

COMMUNITY

Actively engage communities in research and practice

• Strengthen the LRI’s leadership role in Latino communities to advance UT’s public mission of serving Texas and beyond.
• Establish mutually beneficial relationships with strategic partners, including community-based organizations, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop and implement sustainable services with strategic partners in accordance with their existing assets and contexts. 

Igniting Change: A Strategic Plan for a Better Tomorrow is designed to ground our work
according to our principles and strategic priorities. As a living document, we will revisit
periodically and revise, as needed, to ensure our work is responsive to what we know to expect:
change.

While we anticipate the plan will evolve over time, we can be confident our activities will be
guided by the six core values of Advocacy, Collaboration, Empowerment, Excellence,
Innovation, and Integrity.

We welcome your feedback on the plan and our progress towards meeting its goals.

Please email LRI@austin.utexas.edu with your ideas and questions.