Dr. Eliel Hinojosa, Jr., Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Tarleton State University, has recently been awarded two Humanities Texas grants to support projects that highlight regional heritage and engage students in meaningful, hands-on learning.
The first, a $3,264 Mini-Grant, brought the Vaquero: Genesis of the Texas Cowboy exhibit to Tarleton’s Dick Smith Library for spring 2025. This traveling exhibition features the photography of Bill Wittliff and showcases the history and cultural legacy of the vaquero—the original Mexican cowboy whose influence shaped ranching traditions across Texas. The exhibit opened on February 27 and will remain on display through April 17.
Dr.Hinojosa highlighted the importance of the project, stating,
“Bringing the Vaquero exhibit to Tarleton created space for our students and the broader community to reflect on the distinct histories that shape Texas,” said Dr. Hinojosa. “Projects like this remind us that local and regional history is deeply connected to our sense of place and identity. My heartfelt thanks to the Dick Smith Library staff for their help in facilitating this project.”
In addition, Dr. Hinojosa received a $2,500 Humanities Texas Rural Grant to launch Voices of Service: Erath County Veterans Legacy Project. This initiative will involve Tarleton pre-service teachers in gathering and preserving the stories of local veterans through oral history interviews. These efforts will culminate in a public digital archive that honors veteran contributions and serves as an educational resource.
“Voices of Service gives our pre-service teachers the opportunity to become historians and active participants in preserving community memory,” said Dr. Hinojosa. “Students will gain valuable experience in oral history methods—including audio recording, editing, transcription, and archival practices. They will also create TEKS-aligned, inquiry-based lesson plans designed to bring local history into Texas classrooms. This work matters because it helps carry forward the legacies of our veterans, making sure their stories live on for future generations.”
Dr. Hinojosa emphasized the broader impact of both projects as part of Tarleton’s mission to connect academic learning with regional service and engagement.
“We must strive to create opportunities for the community to see the university as a partner in preserving local history, sharing stories, and learning together,” he added. “Importantly, both Vaquero and Voices of Service help build momentum in pursuit of our Tarleton Forward 2030 Strategic Goals.”
*Both projects are supported by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities,