Dr. Robert G. Mangrum, a native Texan, is the Coley Distinguished Professor of American History and University Historian at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. He is currently writing a history of the university, founded in 1889.
Since 1980, Dr. Mangrum has held various academic leadership roles at HPU, including Chair of the History Department and Director of the Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom, the university’s honors program. He holds degrees from Hardin-Simmons University and the University of North Texas, where he earned his Ph.D. in U.S. History.
A specialist in Civil War, Reconstruction, and Texas history, Dr. Mangrum is a published scholar and longtime member of numerous professional historical associations. His military service includes active duty in the U.S. Army and retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel after years in the Army Reserve and on the faculty of the Command and General Staff College.