PHOENIX -- An Arizona State University professor has been nominated to be ambassador to the Dominican Republic, the university said.

Raul Yzaguirre, 70, executive director of the Center for Community Development and Civil Rights at ASU, is well-known as a civil rights activist for the Hispanic community, the university said.

Yzaguirre has launched a number of outreach programs, including civil rights forums that have featured high-profile speakers, the university said. He also helped found the American Dream Academy, which helps parents in low-income areas transform their children's educations.

Yzaguirre served as president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza prior to joining ASU.

Yzaguirre will be on leave if the Senate approves his nomination.