Meet Dr. Xavier Segura | Professor of Practice & Professor of Law

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Xavier Segura and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Xavier, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind my success derives from the quote, “never forget where you come from.”

Growing up in South Tucson and in the Sunnyside Community, and seeing the struggle firsthand as a child, fuels my passion, drive, ambition, and dedication as a professional. I want continuing paving the way for other first-generation (students), Latino/a/x, low-income families and youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and veterans, so they can see firsthand that I was a product of a similar environment and persevered to become the successful professional I am today.

Therefore, staying consistent & disciplined, never forgetting your roots and the people who helped you along the journey, firmly believing in yourself, manifesting your dreams into reality, and most importantly, treating every person with respect, dignity, honor, and humanity, are all crucial factors behind my success and the person I am today.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My professional journey begins with being a troublemaker and doing not so well in high school, especially as I knew that I would leaving to the United States Army, 48 hours after my high school graduation. In the United States Army, I served in active duty as an Infantryman: Scout Sniper and Honor Guard for six years.

Shortly after my time in the service, I was a first-generation student/graduate that attended Pima Community College, the University of Arizona, the University of Arizona’s James E. College of Law, and Northern Arizona University.

While as a student during the middle of the pandemic, one of my former professors at the local community college reached out to me about the opportunity of becoming a part-time professor in a department that I once graduated from. Sure enough, I thought it over and thought, “well, how hard could it be to be a professor?”, so I applied and was eventually extended the invitation to join the college.

Shortly after that, I was hired at Northern Arizona University to teach as a professor in criminology and criminal justice, where then I progressed up the ladder, and recently earned a higher appointment at the University of Arizona as an Asst. Professor of Practice.

Although some might say the journey happened fast and easy, there was a lot of time/sacrifice, dedication, setbacks, and hard work that went into it. Therefore, when I think about what sets me apart from others, I allow my students and each person I cross paths with to determine that. I am very passionate, driven, and ambitious about my craft and work, and genuinely want every person around me to succeed and to be happy.

Was your journey hard? Absolutely. Being a first-generation, Latino kid, from the Sunnyside & South Tucson community, there was barriers and obstacles that I faced that many others experience today. In order to overcome those challenges, I had to self-reflect and analyze what I had to do to better myself and my community. Most importantly, I listened, observed, and learned from my mentors and professionals around me.

When thinking about my journey and accomplishments, I am immensely proud of each and every award, but am more proud of being awarded the most honorable and prestigious 2022 Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, as well as, the City of Tucson’s Ward 5 Recognition and Award. But most importantly, I am proud of each and every student that has taken on the initiative of bettering themselves and pursuing to further their education at the community college and university level.

I am MOST PROUD of those first-generation, single parent, LGBTQ+, & historically underrepresented students.

There are many lessons I have learned along the way that I would like to share:

1. Take all shots and risks. You owe it to yourself to pursue something new + embrace the possibility of getting what you deserve and have been hoping for.
   2. Be kind. Be respectful. Be humble. Be grateful. Do the Right Thing. & Smile more.
   3. Never forget where you come from.
   4. Take care of yourself & your mental health.
   5. You never know who is being inspired by you and your journey. Therefore, do it your way.

I just want the world to know; be kind, say thank you, compliment as many people as you can, point out the good and be the good, treat others the way you want to be treated, prioritize your mental health & never be afraid to seek out for help, love + serve + care. The world needs more of this today.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would absolutely take my best friend for some hikes up at Mt. Lemmon, and of course, a trip to Old Main at the University of Arizona.

I am huge fan of local, mom and pop, food places.

I would begin with introducing my friend to a hidden and well-known coffee spot by starting at Barrista Del Barrio with some coffee! Barrista Del Barrio has a phenomenal selection of foods and coffees to choose from.

For breakfast, I would have to say Baja Cafe would definitely hit the spot, where I’m sure my best friend would love some of their gigantic and sweet, snickerdoodle pancakes!

For lunch, I would introduce my friend to the amazing Hispanic food culture by having lunch at Mi Nidito, where their birria is so flavorful and mouthwatering!

Next, you know we have to throw a little cruise and pit stop through 6th ave, especially, to pick up some Tannas Botannas for a spicy and delicious, gushers’ snack!

For dinner, Firebirds Wood Fire Grill would hit the spot where their spicy, Italian pasta is to die for! But then again, some Ceviche from American Eat Co. would hit the spot, with a Michelada!

In Tucson, there is so much to learn and try about the Hispanic culture. From the little mom and pop shops to the corner Sonoran Hot Dog stands. All of these experiences are worth it! If you’re feeling a little adventurous, it’s worth taking a couple of hikes up to Mt. Lemmon, and Seven Falls! If you’re feeling for a little cruise and something relaxing, then take a trip up to A Mountain. You’re feeling a little outgoing and wild, there’s the Maverick: King of Clubs, Whiskey Roads, and 4th Ave that has a plethora of clubs and fun experiences worth checking out

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I dedicate this shoutout to my parents (Celina & Javier), my sister (Ibette), my amazing family (Nani & Tati, Nana & Tata Segura, Whiskey & Sierra), my mentors (Dean, Nate, Derek, Amanda, Dr. Dore, Tariq, Dr. Fernandez, Judge Berger, Judge Miller, and so much more), the students, faculty, and staff at the University of Arizona & Pima Community College, and the Sunnyside Community.

But most importantly, I dedicate this shoutout to all of those kids, families, and veterans on the Southside of Tucson and Sunnyside Community who are striving for the stars to make their dreams come true.

You can do it too, believe it. Bear Down.

Instagram: @professor.segura

Image Credits
Photo Credit: (Xavier R. Segura)