15 Facts About Julian Nava

Julian Nava was an American educator and diplomat.

Julian Nava was born in Los Angeles, California, to Mexican immigrants in 1927, and was one of eight siblings.

Julian Nava taught in Venezuela, Spain, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, where he founded Centro de Estudios Universitarios in Bogota.

From 1957 to 2000, Julian Nava was Professor of History at California State University, Northridge.

At the time of his death Julian Nava was a Professor Emeritus of History.

Julian Nava became the first Mexican-American to serve on the board.

Julian Nava was elected to three consecutive terms, from 1967 to 1979.

Julian Nava was the first Mexican-American to hold the position.

In 1993, Julian Nava was a pallbearer at the funeral of the labor leader Cesar Chavez.

Julian Nava had worked with Chavez since his time with the Community Service Organization in Los Angeles immediately after the Second World War.

Julian Nava greatly enjoyed travel and visited Mexico, Venezuela, Argentina, Spain, Great Britain, Russia, China, and Tibet.

Julian Nava lectured widely about multicultural education and served on the board of directors of Encuentros, which promotes education among young Latino males.

In 2015, Julian Nava published a historical novel, Taming the Chinese Dragon: Young Love in Changing Tibet.

Julian Nava was retired, and lived in San Diego County with his wife Patricia.

Julian Nava's archives are held in the Special Collections and Archives section of the University Library at California State University, Northridge.