From the Cotton Fields to a College Professor

Dr. Joe H. Alcorta grew up speaking Spanish. He was born in Novice Texas and at the age of two months his parents took him to Monterrey Mexico. For seven years he lived in Mexico. Upon his return he graduated from Olton High School and then he received his bachelorâ s degree from Hardin-Simmons University. He obtained his masterâ s degree from Howard Payne University and earned his PhD degree from Texas Tech in Lubbock Texas.. He has taught Spanish in high school and at the university level for over forty five years. At the present time he works as a professor of Spanish at Hardin-Simmons University Abilene Texas.. Dr. Alcorta has traveled to Mexico Taiwan and Spain. He has taught many Spanish classes for professional people. Several newspapers have published his book Speak Spanish in 60 Days.. For many years Professor Alcorta has served as a guest columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News in Abilene Texas. He has written many articles in different fields.. Dr. Alcorta and his wife of forty-nine years Liandra have four children and nine grandchildren. Dr. Alcorta has run five marathons and many 5Ks and 10Ks. He enjoys reading and writing. He has served on many city boards and he was elected to The Abilene City Council for two terms. In church he has taught Bible classes for over forty years and he enjoys memorizing Scripture. He maintains active membership as a Rotarian and as a Gideon.