Debbie Harwell

Debbie Harwell is a Lecturer at the University of Houston in the Honors College and History Department. She earned her doctorate in U.S. history from the same institution and has served as managing editor of Houston History magazine since 2009. Her work combines historical research with community engagement, training students in oral history methods and creative public history projects.

Harwell's research focuses on public history, U.S. history, and women's activism, particularly in the civil rights movement. She has published extensively on these topics, including her award-winning book Wednesdays in Mississippi, which explores cross-regional collaborations during Freedom Summer (2014). Her scholarship has appeared in The Journal of Southern History and other notable publications.

As editor of Houston History magazine, she has overseen the publication of over 125 student-authored articles since 2012. She also contributes to urban history through the edited volume Engaging Place, Engaging Practices (2024) and serves on the Harris County Historical Commission. Harwell's career highlights the intersection of academic scholarship and public engagement.

Scientific Awards:

• 2015 Julia Cherry Spruill Prize for best book in Southern women's history