Dr. Light Townsend Cummins officially sworn in as new state historian

AUSTIN, Texas –– Newly appointed Texas State Historian Dr. Light Townsend Cummins was officially sworn-in to office by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst  on Tuesday, May 26 during a brief ceremony at the Texas State Capitol. Cummins was appointed to the position on May 12 by Gov. Rick Perry and will serve for two years. Cummins was recommended to the post by both the Texas Historical Commission (THC) and the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). 

Cummins is an author, history professor and director of the Center for Southwestern and Mexican studies at Austin College in Sherman. He is a board member of the TSHA and an associate of the Danforth Foundation. He is also past chair of the Grayson County Historical Commission and a member of Humanities Texas. Cummins received a bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and a doctorate degree in history from Tulane University. He replaces Frank de la Teja of Austin. 

“I am deeply honored by this appointment,” said Cummins. “It has been my good fortune to have taught many students who have had a marked interest in Texas history over my 31 years on the faculty at Austin College, many of whom have graduated to distinguish themselves in a wide variety of careers by which they have advanced Texas and the Southwest.”

Cummins is the second to hold the honorary designation of Texas State Historian, created by the Texas Legislature in 2005. During his two-year term, Cummins is expected to enhance Texans’ knowledge about the state’s history and heritage and encourage the teaching of Texas history in public schools. 

“Dr. Light Cummins is a master of enriching people’s lives through history,” said THC Executive Director Larry Oaks, who attended the ceremony. “He has written several books on the history of the Lone Star State and received numerous awards for his scholarly research and accomplishments. We look forward to working with him.”

Cummins is a lifetime fellow of the TSHA who was appointed by Gov. Ann Richards to serve on the Stephen F. Austin Bicentennial Commission. In 1994, he was awarded the Premio de España y America by King Carlos I of Spain for his scholarly research dealing with the history of Spain and the United States. 

“As State Historian, Light Cummins has a superior opportunity to provide Texans insight into their heritage,” said TSHA past president Larry McNeill, who also attended the ceremony. “His effusive personality as well as his understanding of Texas history will serve our state well in this regard.”