Robert Mangrum serves as Professor of History and Government and University Historian at Howard Payne University. With a teaching career spanning more than five decades, Mangrum began teaching in 1975 and joined the Howard Payne University faculty in the fall of 1980. Throughout his years at HPU, he has remained committed to helping students develop an appreciation for history and understand how the events and ideas of the past have shaped the world they inhabit today.
Mangrum teaches a broad range of courses focused primarily on United States history. His courses include U.S. History to 1876, U.S. History since 1876, Colonial and American Revolution, the Early Republic, the Civil War, the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, World at War, and the Age of FDR. Of these courses, the Civil War is his favorite. His longstanding interest in American history, combined with his extensive teaching experience, allows him to bring historical events and personalities to life for students while encouraging them to engage thoughtfully with the complexities of the past.
One of the things Mangrum appreciates most about teaching at Howard Payne is the university’s small class sizes and the opportunity to work closely with students who genuinely want to learn. These settings allow for meaningful classroom interaction, discussion, and personal engagement between students and faculty. For Mangrum, the relationships developed through those experiences are an important part of what makes teaching at HPU rewarding.
Mangrum also values Howard Payne’s Christian atmosphere. He appreciates working in an environment where faith and education are closely connected and where students are encouraged to grow academically within a Christian community. His commitment to HPU over the decades reflects his appreciation for the university’s distinctive mission and educational environment.
Mangrum’s passion for history began long before his career as a professor. He has always had a strong love and interest in the subject, and that enthusiasm has continued throughout his life. As a historian and educator, he enjoys sharing that interest with students and helping them discover the significance of historical events, people, and ideas.
Mangrum earned his Bachelor of Arts from Hardin-Simmons University in 1970, followed by a Master of Arts from the University of North Texas in 1975 and a Ph.D. from the University of North Texas in 1978.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mangrum has contributed to the broader field of historical scholarship through numerous book reviews. He is also the author of History of Howard Payne, published in 2015, documenting the university’s rich history and legacy.
Outside the classroom, Mangrum enjoys model railroading, a hobby that reflects his appreciation for history, detail, and craftsmanship. He is also a member of Salt Creek Baptist Church.
Mangrum’s personal and professional life is closely connected to Howard Payne University. He is married to Cheryl Mangrum, who serves in the Admissions Office at HPU. After more than four decades at Howard Payne, Mangrum continues to bring his passion for history, commitment to students, and appreciation for the university’s Christian mission to his work as a professor and university historian.
