Vietnam Center and Archive Staff Biography


Stephen Maxner, Director

Stephen Maxner
  • Email: steve.maxner@ttu.edu
  • Phone: 806-742-9010
  • Address:
    Texas Tech University
    PO Box 41041
    Special Collections Lib. Rm. 108
    Lubbock, TX 79409-1041

Dr. Stephen F. Maxner has been the director of the Vietnam Center and Archive at Texas Tech University since July 2007. Originally from Massachusetts, he left after graduating high school to serve in the United States Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) and 1st Special Operations Command (Airborne). After leaving the Army, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History (magna cum laude) as well as a Regular Army ROTC Commission (Distinguished Military Graduate) at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. He then served as an Infantry Platoon Leader at Fort Benning, Georgia. After leaving Fort Benning, Dr. Maxner returned to North Carolina where he earned his Master of Arts degree in History before going to Texas Tech University where he earned his Ph.D. in History. In addition to his day-to-day work at the Vietnam Center and Archive, Dr. Maxner is responsible for the Vietnam Center and Archive Study Abroad in Southeast Asia that has provided international educational opportunities to approximately 100 Texas Tech students. He is also the series editor for the Modern Southeast Asia Series at the Texas Tech University Press. In September 2008, Dr. Maxner was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve on the Board of Directors for the Vietnam Education Foundation, where he served as Chairman of the Board and as a regular member until 2012. He has also served on the board of directors for CASA of the South Plains and on the City of Lubbock Veterans Advisory Committee.