Almost 100 Columbia alumni and Houston friends gathered at the Czech Center to hear University Provost Alan Brinkley discuss civil liberties. The venue was lovely and comfortable. Brinkley got so many questions that he couldn't get to them all. The food was exciting and delicious. I wish I could tell you something unusual happened, but it all went off exactly as planned!! 

Alan Brinkley, Ph.D.
Professor of History and former Provost, Columbia University

A leading historian of the American political system, Brinkley works in the tradition of public historians like the recently deceased Arthur Schlesinger, illuminating the past and helping us understand the pressing political issues of the present. He received the 2003 Great Teacher Award at Columbia and is known for his ability to share the compelling stories of history. His best-selling text book, American History, from McGraw-Hill, is in its eleventh edition, and in 1983 he won the National Book Award for Voices of Protest. His leadership skills and commitment to excellence led to his 2003 appointment to the position of University Provost. He stepped down as Provost in 2009.