The College of Liberal and Fine Arts at Tarleton State University is proud to announce that Dr. Deborah M. Liles, W.K. Gordon Chair and associate professor of history, has been honored with the Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan Leadership in Education Award by the Texas State Historical Association.
The award is presented annually to two outstanding history educators across the state — one at the K-12 level and one at the college level.
Liles’ contributions to Texas history education are widely recognized. She is a fellow of both the East Texas Historical Association and the West Texas Historical Association, vice president of the Alliance for Texas History, and a board member for the Friends of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. She has given more than 140 public talks to local, state and national groups and has appeared across American, French and British documentary media. She is the author or co-editor of five books and numerous articles and chapters dedicated to Texas history.
At Tarleton State, Liles enriches her students’ academic and community experiences. Her students have researched and authored a book utilizing archives from the W.K. Gordon Industrial Museum, explored historical documents at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the General Land Office in Austin, and participated in projects that highlight the importance of preservation and hands-on learning.
“This award demonstrates what we already know of Dr. Liles, that she is an outstanding historian and educator,” said Emran El-Badawi, dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. “This well-earned recognition rewards her tireless work and dedication to our students, to public history, and to the history of Texas.”
The Mary Jon and J.P. Bryan Leadership in Education Award recognizes outstanding history educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching and leadership. The honor affirms Liles’ dedication to advancing historical scholarship, inspiring her students, and promoting the importance of history education throughout Texas and beyond.