Professional Samples

Samples of  Professional and Academic Work

Research and Conference Papers

Death, Rebirth, and Renewal of a Texas Cemetery:  An Examination of Wharton Cemetery in Wharton, Texas.  Presented at the American Studies Association of Texas Conference in November of 2023.  This paper was a continuation of my research and restoration work in the Wharton Cemetery in downtown Wharton.  More details about the paper and the ongoing work at Wharton Cemetery can be found here.

Blacksmithing and Ironmaking on the Frontier.  One of my earliest "best works" that I originally produced for Dr. Carolina Crimm at Sam Houston State University as an undergrad.  I later expanded on it and presented it at the East Texas Historical Association Spring Conference in 2011.  I was honored to have Dr. Crimm in the audience that day. 

Manifest Destiny and the Mexican-American War Historiography.  This was my "final" work for my Master's degree at Sam Houston State University.  After several courses on the topic of historiography, I wrote this paper on Manifest Destiny.  I attempted to compare early interpretations of the Mexican-American War with the idea of Manifest Destiny and how they relate to the current issues that plague relations between the United States and Mexico, especially immigration and drug control.  

Syllabus 

HIST 1302

Course Level Assessments

HIST 1302 Fall 2022

HIST 1302 Fall 2021

Sample Assignments

Homesteaders on the Frontier Primary Source Activity

US History II Historical Movie Review Writing Assignment

HIST 1302 Exam 1 Review

Texas Counties Geography Activity

World Geography Unit 1 Exam Review

Devotional Messages

Sometimes I get tasked with delivering a short devotional message when we have Morning Prayer in lieu of a celebrant. I’m usually more critical of them than my church family is, and I often get asked if people can have a copy.

The short answer is yes—but you gotta drive up my website numbers to get it.

I’m just a layman with no formal theological training, actively trying not to commit heresy, so go easy on me.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 30 August 2026.

The Arrival of the Wise Men of the East, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5 January 2025.

Jairus Asking for Help in a Time of Need, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 30 June 2024.