Dr. O.A. Grant, former head of the Department of Social Sciences at Tarleton State University, is a native of Breckenridge and a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University.  He received the Ph.D. degree in Political Science from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., in 1948.

Dr. Grant worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1939-1941 and served as a pilot in the United States Navy during World War II.  He joined the Tarleton faculty in 1948.  He was appointed head of the Department of Social Sciences in 1967 and served in that capacity until he relinquished the position in 1976 to return to teaching full time.

In 1954, he was awarded the Ford Foundation Grant for a year's study at Stanford University and in 1962, he won the Piper Award outstanding teaching in Texas Colleges and Universities.  In 1973, Dr. Grant was selected as an "Outstanding Educator of America".

In light of his many contributions to Tarleton State University, The Texas A&M University System  conferred upon Dr. Grant the title of "Professor Emeritus" effective June 1, 1987.