2026 Texas Conference on Introductory History Courses

The 2026 Texas Conference on Introductory History Courses will take place Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at St. Edwards University in Austin. This statewide conference focuses on issues, challenges, and opportunities associated with introductory courses in US and world history that many students will encounter at several stages in their education, whether in middle and high schools, community colleges, or four-year universities. Attendees will participate in workshops, network with colleagues from across the region, and hear from leading history educators. We invite educators at all levels to join us in discussing our shared interest in student success.

The conference is free to attend and meals will be provided. The event will run from 10:00 PM-5:00 PM Friday, and 9:00 AM-3:00 PM Saturday.

Location: Registration and the plenaries will take place in the Mabee Ballroom, on the second floor of Ragsdale Hall. A program outline is below. A detailed program will be posted by September 18.

Parking: Parking will be available on campus for a modest fee. We will send registered attendees a link for the discounted rate. The campus parking map is here.

Accommodations: For those looking at lodging close to St. Edward’s, there is no conference hotel, and you should feel free to stay where you like. Please be aware, however, that the Village Motor Inn and the Bel Air Motel are unlikely to meet your expectations.

Featured Speakers

 

Brandon Griggs, Ph.D., serves as Assistant Commissioner for Academic and Health Affairs at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In this role, he provides strategic leadership for statewide academic policy, academic program approval and review, transfer and curriculum alignment, institutional authorization and oversight, health professions education, and health-related grant programs. He works with institutions, state agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance academic quality, strengthen student pathways and progression, address workforce needs, and support the goals of Building a Talent Strong Texas.

Dr. Griggs also leads the development and implementation of policies and initiatives related to the Texas Core Curriculum, Fields of Study, Texas Direct, common course alignment, graduate and professional education, and health workforce capacity. He advises agency and Board leadership on complex higher education issues and represents the Coordinating Board before institutional leaders, professional organizations, state agencies, legislative offices, and other key stakeholders.

Previously, Dr. Griggs served as Assistant Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer at Texas A&M University–Central Texas. During more than 20 years in higher education, he provided leadership for a comprehensive portfolio of student success and support programs, including academic support, career and professional development, student engagement and leadership, residence life, student wellness and counseling, and transition programs. Dr. Griggs has also taught graduate courses in higher education leadership, administration, organizational change, strategy, and human resources. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tarleton State University, a Masters in Higher Education from Baylor University, and a Doctoral-Level Certificate in Strengths-Oriented Higher Education and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University.

Emily Hermans is the Chief Educator for the Texas Historical Commission, where she leads education initiatives across the agency’s 42 state historic sites, supporting site educators and expanding the reach of site-based programs.

Emily has over 20 years of experience in the museum field. She has also worked for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the High Museum of Art, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Michael C. Carlos Museum. She holds a bachelor’s degree in art history from Emory University and a master’s degree in museum education from The George Washington University.

Program Outline

Friday, September 25

9:00-10:00 AM Registration, coffee and pastries

10:00-10:30 Welcome; agenda overview (Mabee Ballroom)

10:30-11:30 Data and Updates (with Q&A) from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

11:30-12:15 Plenary: The Value of Teaching History Gateway Courses

12:30-1:20 Concurrent Sessions 1

1:30-2:30 Lunch, sponsored by The Teagle Foundation

2:40-3:55 Plenary: A General Education of Value, sponsored by The Teagle Foundation

4:10-5:00 Concurrent Sessions 2

Saturday, September 26

8:15-9:00 AM Registration, coffee and pastries

9:00-9:15 Program Recap

9:15-10:30 Plenary: Teaching History during the Civics Turn

10:45-11:35 Concurrent Sessions 3

11:50-12:40 Concurrent Sessions 4

12:55-2:00 Lunch

2:10-3:00 Closing Plenary: Aligning Policy to Our Learning Expectations: Risks and Opportunities for Quality History Education

Questions?

For more information, email tps@historians.org.

The AHA is grateful to St. Edward’s University, the University of Texas at Austin History Department, and the Teagle Foundation for their sponsorship of this conference.