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When I came here in 1966, I began teaching the US history survey
course that is required of all students.
I love the challenge you showing students that history isn't just a bunch of
dates and names events
that they have to memorize for some reason. I try to teach history by
telling the story is one of people in the past who face the same kind of issues
and problems that we face today.
History is not a subject that has an immediate practical value. I can't say
study history and you'll learn how to be personnel manager or how to design
an automobile.
But I do say, study history
and you'll becoming a more educated person and
that will show up in your life constantly. The first class I ever took
was history Doctor Campbell,
it was because of that class I change my major to history
because I really liked the way Doctor Campbell is constantly demonstrating to students
the importance of history
and understanding the world around us today. Now that we're both teachers
we instill that Campbell method
in our own classes by respecting the students in imparting our love for
history as we teach.
Well first met Mike in 1985 when I was a student one of his classes
he taught me a lot. I really like the fellow he became my mentor.
It's kinda nice having a friend like that who is also one of the best historians in
Texas.
As the Texas State Historical Association's first chief historian
Mike has established a high standard an elevated Texas history in many ways.
He's an accomplished scholar who opened up the study it slavery in Texas
and he is a friend. I'm proud to have had the chance to work with him.
As a researcher I'm always trying to find material that explains the lives of
people
and I'm trying to write it in a way that lets know why it matters.
When you teach you trying to explain what happened to people
and why it matters. Overall in either teaching or research
if you care the people you are trying to reach will care.