Endowed in 1982 by the Thomas O’Connor family of Victory, Texas, the O’Connor Chair in the Study of Hispanic Texas and the Southwest hosts a visiting research professor at St. Mary’s University. During his/her tenure, the O’Connor Professor teaches one course per semester, conducts research, writes and offers periodic lectures to the University and surrounding community. Besides contributing to scholarly knowledge on the history of Hispanic Texas and the Southwest, O’Connor Chair occupants also provide St. Mary’s students, especially history majors, the opportunity to interact with an active research historian working on a specific ongoing project. This is particular of value for students writing Senior Essays and those interested in pursuing graduate studies in history.