MindTap for Brown/Langenegger/Biles/Reyna/Huerta/Farmer-Neal/Altema/Rijkhoff's Practicing Texas Politics, 1 term Instant Access, 19th Edition

Lyle C. Brown, Ph.D., is professor emeritus of political science at Baylor University, where he served as departmental director of graduate studies and director of Baylor's Foreign Service Program. A former president of the Southwestern Council of Latin American Studies, Dr. Brown is the co-editor of RELIGION IN LATIN AMERICAN LIFE AND LITERATURE and the author of numerous articles. His international academic experience includes teaching at Mexico City College (now University of the Americas) and postgraduate study at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Dr. Brown has served as delegate to county and state political party conventions. He received his Master of Arts from the University of Oklahoma and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin.

Joyce Langenegger, Ph.D., teaches government at Blinn College, where she is the executive director of academic success. She also is a frequent workshop presenter on innovative teaching strategies. Named to the "Who's Who Among America's Teachers" listing, Dr. Langenegger has been honored with a NISOD Teaching Excellence Award, a Blinn College-Bryan Teacher of the Year award and a San Jacinto College "Most Valuable Player" award for her work as a professor and administrator at that institution. Before beginning her teaching career, Dr. Langenegger practiced law in Houston. She received Master of Arts and Juris Doctor degrees from Baylor University and Master of Arts and doctoral degrees from Fielding Graduate University.

Robert E. Biles, Ph.D., professor emeritus and former chair of political science at Sam Houston State University, has taught college students about Texas politics in Texas, Colombia and Ecuador. The author of numerous books and articles, he has been involved in politics at multiple levels, including service as a school board member, county party chair, county election supervisor and staff member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He also has advised state agencies and held leadership positions in statewide lobbying groups and professional organizations. Dr. Biles has received four Fulbright grants and also awards for his research, teaching and administrative service. He received his Master of Arts and his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.

Veronica Vega Reyna is associate professor of government and assistant dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences for Austin Community College. She has been faculty advisor to a civil rights organization at ACC. Professor Reyna earned her M.A. in Political Science from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where she taught as adjunct faculty. Her political involvement has included interning for Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, working as a union organizer, and volunteering in various Texas campaigns. She has also taught Texas politics at colleges and universities in San Antonio.

Juan Carlos Huerta is a professor of political science and former director of the University Core Curriculum Programs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Active in promoting teaching and learning in political science, he served as chair of the Political Science Education Organized Section of the American Political Science Association and was on the program committee for the APSA Conference on Teaching and Learning. He also is a former president of the Southwestern Political Science Association. Dr. Huerta's research and writing examine political representation, public opinion, political science education and learning communities. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Houston.