Dr. Jody Edward Ginn is the Director of Development for the Texas Ranger Association Foundation/Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco. Prior to becoming a professional historian, Ginn served in the U.S. Army and Reserves and spent fifteen years in the profession of law enforcement, serving as a patrol, civil, and warrants officer, investigator, and administrator. Ginn holds a Doctor of Philosophy in History from the University of North Texas, in addition to a Master of Arts in History (with a specialization in Public History) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas State University. Ginn received the Fred White, Jr. Research Fellowship in Texas History from the Texas State Historical Association in 2001 and 2002 and has produced several refereed publications, including one journal article, two anthology chapters, a co-authored book, and his first solo book that launched in July 2019.
Ginn also works as a contract historical consultant, writer, and researcher on a variety of projects, including museums, books, and educational and promotional films, and as an adjunct associate professor of history at Austin Community College. Most recently, he served as a historical consultant for publicity on the blockbuster new Netflix Original Film, “The Highwaymen” (starring Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates, and Kim Dickens). Ginn has made numerous media appearances in local, state, and national media, as well as online podcasts, including “New Books Network,” “Wise About Texas,” and “The Sons of History,” and has been quoted in print media to include USAToday, Time Magazine, the UK Daily Mirror, and Bustle.com.