Historian, professor, and editor, Professor Servin was born in El Paso, Texas but grew up in Calexico, California. He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and took advantage of the G.I. Bill to pursue a college education. Professor Servin earned a BA in Liberal Arts (1949) and his MA (1954) and his PhD (1959) in Mexican and Latin American History from the University of Southern California. Professor Servin joined the ASU faculty in 1970, after teaching at El Camino College and USC.
In 1970, Professor Servin quickly shined at ASU when he published one of the early collections of historical essays on the Chicano experience. He also served as editor of historical journals of the Southwest, enabling many Chicano students to publish articles on the Chicano experience. Professor Servin continued to train graduate students in Chicano history until poor health forced him into retirement.
Professor Servin's dedication to scholarly research, study of the Chicano experience, and mentorship of Chicano students brought regional visibility and recognition to ASU. In honor of these achievements, the ASU CLFSA recognizes an ASU faculty member who exemplifies: achievement in research, Mentorship of Hispanic students, Leadership at ASU/the community and Community service/involvement.