Rupert Norval Richardson was recognized as a prominent historian and educator, on the state and national level, but particularly in West Texas. He was born in 1891 near Caddo, Texas, and graduated from Simmons College, now Hardin Simmons University. He was a high school principal in Cisco and Sweetwater, before becoming a professor of history in 1917 at Simmons College. He served briefly as a second lieutenant during World War I in the army.He did his graduate work at the University of Texas, receiving an M.A. in 1922 and a Ph.D. in 1926. He was associated with Hardin-Simmons University until his death, becoming dean of students in 1926, vice president in 1928, acting president in 1943-45, and president in 1945. He was associated with Hardin Simmons until his death in 1988, serving as president emeritus in 1953 and teaching classes and supervising students until his death.He was a founding member of the West Texas Historical Association and active in a number of civic organizations. Richardson was a prolific writer, authoring eight books, including a textbook, Texas: The Lone Star State (1943), that went through five editions and was a leading college textbook in the 90s. He was also president of the Texas Historical Commission (1969-1970) and received the Ruth Lester Award in 1972 for his efforts in historical preservation.