Governor Greg Abbott has named Dr. Richard B. "Rick" McCaslin as the new Texas State Historian, a role pivotal in bringing the state's diverse history to the forefront of public consciousness. As State Historian, Dr. McCaslin's duties will include broadening public knowledge of Texas history, fostering its instruction in public schools, advising state leadership on historical matters, and delivering presentations on topics related to the state's past. McCaslin's appointment is for a term ending on December 17, 2027, announced in a press release from the Office of the Governor.
With a storied career as a historian, retired Professor of Texas History at the University of North Texas, and Director of Publications for the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), McCaslin brings a weighted academic background to the Governor's table. His fellowship with the TSHA and authorial credentials—21 books, eight decorated with awards—he embodies the scholastic dedication Texas aims to display in the promotion of its history. A Bachelor of Arts holder from Delta State University in History and Political Science, he honed his expertise further with a Master of Arts from Louisiana State University and crowned his academic journey with a Doctor of Philosophy from The University of Texas at Austin.
In the role of Texas State Historian, McCaslin will be faced with the task of ensuring the state's historical narrative is both accurate and accessible. His experiences in academia and publishing offer him a unique perspective on the challenges of making history engaging and relevant to a wide audience. The engagement with public schools will be particularly critical, as younger generations are shaped by the narratives imparted in their education.
