The History program of the Department of History, Geography and GIS at Tarleton State University offers a Bachelor’s degree through courses with a variety of topics taught by exceptional faculty. The undergraduate degree path provide students with exciting opportunities to explore how historians investigate, analyze, and write about history. The focus is on critical thinking and writing, as history is about solving problems, investigating mysteries, and writing clearly and persuasively. The skills gained in this program can be applied in nearly any career. You can learn more about the History B.A. program by checking out our degree page.

The strength of this program is evident in the quality students and faculty. From scholarly publications with major presses to excellence in the classroom, our faculty offer a wide range of specializations, quality instruction, and mentoring in research, conference presentations, and graduate work. Students have opportunities to engage in many activities from research and presentations related to courses, study abroad and away programs, campus student organizations, internships, area opportunities in local and public history, and much more. We welcome you to contact our department or one of the faculty listed below for more information.

Student Spotlight

“I became a history major because no matter what field I enter after my time here at Tarleton State, my employer will expect me to be able to read at a high level, write formal and informal presentations, and be knowledgeable about the subject. I really believe being a history major teaches you how to do all three things.”

Matthew Killingsworth, History Student

History Faculty

NameTitleExpertiseDegree-granting InstitutionOfficePhone
Dr. Jensen BranscombeAssociate Professor and Department Head US Immigration; Women, Gender, and Sexuality in United States History; American Southwest Borderlands; Modern United States History

Ph.D. Texas Christian UniversityO.A. Grant Building, Room 345254-968-0596
Dr. Paul BandaAssistant ProfessorWorld History; British Imperial History; Modern African History; History of Development and the Cold War; The Colonial and Post-Colonial State in Africa; Historical MethodsPh.D. University of West VirginiaO.A. Grant Building, Room 339254-968-9286
Dr. Patrick FunicielloAssistant ProfessorColonial and Modern Latin America; Medieval, Early Modern, and Modern Spain and Portugal; Early Modern Europe; Atlantic World; Legal and Economic History; History of Smuggling; History of MexicoPh.D. The George Washington UniversityO.A. Grant Building, Room 358254-968-9630
Dr. Aaron GeorgeAssistant ProfessorModern US History; History of Gender & Sexuality; US LGBT History; US Intellectual and Cultural HistoryPh.D. Ohio State UniversityO.A. Grant Building, Room 389254-968-9515
Dr. Christopher HickmanAssociate ProfessorLegal History; the Political History of the United States; the American Presidency; American Film and Media History; American Social Thought; US Foreign Relations History; the Cold WarPh.D. The George Washington UniversityO.A. Grant Building, Room 361254-968-9629
Dr. Deborah LilesAssistant Professor & W. K. Gordon Endowed ChairTexas History, Ranching History; Slavery; Local HistoryPh.D. University of North TexasO.A. Grant Building, Room 364254-968-9305
Dr. Steven PeachAssistant ProfessorColonial America; American Indians; Ethnohistory; Cultural Encounters; Southeastern Indians; Local HistoryPh.D. University of North Carolina GreensboroO.A. Grant Building, Room 351254-968-9086
Mr. Ted RobertsSenior InstructorUS Military History; US Defense Policy and Military AffairsMA, Tarleton State UniversityO.A. Grant Building, Room 378254-968-9077
Dr. Jahue AndersonInstructorEnvironmental History; Agricultural History; Rural History; Gilded Age and Progressive EraPh.D. Texas Christian UniversityO.A. Grant Building, Room 372254-459-5433
Dr. John HarrisInstructor    254-968-9584
Dr. Yuen TsangAssistant Professor