This post originally appeared on U College of Humanities News and was published September 19, 2025. This article is republished here with permission.
Susie Porter, professor of history and gender studies, has been elected as an International Corresponding Member of the Mexican Academy of History (Academia Mexicana de la Historia), joining an exclusive group of 20 US-based scholars recognized by the institution.
The Mexican Academy of History, affiliated with the Spanish Royal Academy of History (Real Academia de la Historia), follows a long tradition of disciplinary academies. With a core membership of 30 of Mexico’s preeminent historians, the International Correspondents are historians living outside of Mexico who have made significant contributions to Mexican historical scholarship.
Her election reflects years of collaborative work with Mexican academic institutions and scholars, including some who are members of the Mexican Academy of History. “It means a lot to me that my colleagues in the country where I do my research recognize my work in this way,” Porter said of the honor.
As part of her induction, Porter will deliver a formal presentation to the academy this fall, which will be followed by a response from one of the members. Both presentations will be published in the academy’s journal, Memorias de la AMH.
Porter’s interest in Mexican history stems from her California upbringing, where she witnessed the significant Mexican and Mexican-American presence while noticing gaps in how the shared history of Mexico and the United States was understood and taught. The historian views her work as contributing to better cross-cultural understanding between the two nations. “We can always benefit from learning more about other countries and cultures,” Porter noted. “Understanding the intertwined histories of the peoples in these countries could lead to better understanding and treatment of each other.”
Porter’s advice to emerging scholars interested in international historical work emphasizes intentional relationship-building: “Even though we live in a global world, you have to be very intentional about making connections to academia in other countries through inviting people [to collaborate], making professional connections, and engaging in conferences.”
The appointment opens new opportunities for collaborative projects and continued scholarly exchange between Porter and her Mexican colleagues, furthering the academy’s mission to promote Mexican historical scholarship on an international scale.