Zac Christian

Zac studies how the public remembers Native Americans in U.S. history, particularly in school curriculums and popular culture since 1970.  He uses his previous studies in colonial Chickasaw and Choctaw history to analyze and advance public awareness of Indigenous history more broadly.

Areas of Specialty

• Native American History
• U.S. History
• Historical Memory
• 20th Century Pop Culture

Zac Christian, a lifelong history and culture enthusiast, joined Texas A&M in Fall 2024 to begin his PhD. For his undergraduate work, he double majored in history and English at Hardin-Simmons University. He later returned to his hometown, Comanche, spending one year as a Baptist youth pastor, two years as substitute teacher, and three years as a history teacher at his old high school. During this period, he also earned his master’s in history from neighboring Tarleton State University, a member of the Texas A&M University System. In addition to his studies, Zac serves as the 2025-26 Social Officer for the History Graduate Student Organization. Come on down if you ever need a break with someone who literally has “social” right there in the name! If you’re ever bored, give Zac any century since 550 BCE or any decade since 1300 CE, and he’ll tell you a lively true story about it!

Chair: Dr. Evan Haefeli