Cota-Robles was recognized for his work in higher education, particularly his contributions to affirmative action, diversity, and faculty development.
[2] His parents, who were both elementary school teachers from Pueblo Nuevo, Sonora, Mexico, emigrated to the United States.
He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a signalman aboard the USS Baltimore in the Pacific.
Following his discharge in 1946, he pursued higher education at the University of Arizona, earning a Bachelor of Science in Bacteriology in 1950.
[2] Upon his retirement in 1991, the University of California Regents established the Eugene H. Cota-Robles Fellowships for graduate students in his honor.