A&M International's Dr. Thompson Named Texas State Historical Association VP

Dr. Jerry D. Thompson, Texas A&M International University's dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, has been selected vice president of the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) at its recent Austin meeting. Dr. Thompson will assume the TSHA presidency March 2001.

Founded in 1897, the TSHA is the oldest learned society in the State and is dedicated to fostering the appreciation, understanding and teaching of the rich and unique history of Texas.

Among its publications are the Southwestern Historical Quarterly, and the New Handbook of Texas. The Association also directs student and teacher education programs and a variety of public regional conferences, lectures and events.

A member of the prestigious Philosophical Society of Texas, Thompson is a Piper Professor honoree and member of the Western Writers of America. A prolific author of over a dozen books, and more than 30 articles, he is considered one of the country's top scholars on the Southwest Campaign of the American Civil War and Border History.

The Southwest Historical Quarterly will soon publish his "When General Albert Sidney Johnston Came Home to Texas: Reconstruction Politics and the Reburial of a Hero."

The Journal of Arizona History has accepted his " 'Near 106 Yesterday. It has been a Cool Summer' ": Samuel P. Heintzelman Views Yuma Crossing and Arizona Territory."

His most recent publication is A Wild and Vivid Land: An Illustrated History of the South Texas Border. He is at work on two new books, Texas: A History of Five Centuries with Felix D. Almaraz Jr. and Lionel Paranaude; and To Defend the Mexican Name in Texas; A Biography of Juan Nepomuceno Cortina.

He has been part of the A&M International faculty since 1987, and holds his doctorate in History from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn. His MA in History was received from the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, while his BA in History was earned at Western New Mexico State University in Silver City, N.M.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at 956.326.2180. University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu