Billy Hobby: A Life in Journalism and Public Service

Join the Hobby School of Public Affairs, the Hobby family and the authors of “Bill Hobby: A Life of Journalism and Public Service” for an insightful book talk about the school's founder and greatest champion, former Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby, Jr. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The newly published biography chronicles Bill Hobby's life and significant contributions to Texas as a journalist, lawmaker, philanthropist and visionary of the Hobby School of Public Affairs.

Bill Hobby was first elected lieutenant governor of Texas in 1972 and served until 1990. During his five terms as lieutenant governor of Texas, he became one of the most powerful political figures in the state’s history.

Biographers Don Carleton and Erin L. Purdy document Hobby’s indelible influence at the Houston Post, Texas Senate and in public education. They describe the Hobby family’s Texas roots and lasting impression on the state and its residents across generations. Carleton is the founding executive director of the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin. Purdy is the deputy executive director of the Briscoe Center and a writer, historian and editor. Hobby School Dean Jim Granato will moderate the discussion with the biographers. Special guests include Paul Hobby and other members of the Hobby family.

Attendees can purchase a copy of the book for signing by the authors. Registration is free but required. Event check-in starts at 5 p.m., the panel discussion begins at 5:30 p.m., and a reception and book signing follow.

About the Authors
Don Carleton, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Briscoe Center for American History

Don Carleton is the founding director of the University of Texas at Austin's Dolph Briscoe Center for American History. As a historian, Carleton has authored 14 books, including "Red Scare," which won the Texas State Historical Association's Coral Tullis Award for the most important book on Texas, published in 1985. He has also published numerous articles in professional journals, magazines, and newspapers, and he serves as editor for the Focus on American History Series at the University of Texas Press.

Erin L. Purdy
Deputy Director, Briscoe Center for American History

Erin Purdy is the deputy executive director of the Briscoe Center. A proud Cleveland native, she was a curator at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the editor-in-chief of Cleveland Magazine, and a researcher and writer for The History Factory before fulfilling her childhood dream of moving to Austin, Texas. Initially hired at the Briscoe Center in 2005 as an oral historian, her responsibilities increased to management of the center’s communications and public outreach efforts, including exhibits, publications, and print and online communications.

Off-Campus Visitor Parking at the Welcome Center Garage

Enter the Welcome Center Garage (4434 University Dr.) on Martin Luther King Blvd. As you exit the garage on foot, you will see the University of Houston Hilton on University Drive. The Waldorf Astoria Ballroom is on the first floor of the building. For visitor parking rates and resources, click here. Self-parking is also available at the UH Hilton for $25.

Host or Publisher Hobby School of Public Affairs