Prof. Coleman Hampton

Education

B.A., Baylor University
M.A., Baylor University

Academic and Professional Interests

Coleman Hampton is Executive Director of the Bell County Museum in Belton, Texas. He holds a B.A. in History and M.A. in Museum Studies from Baylor University. During his tenure at Bell County Museum, Hampton has increased audience focused programs, created an inclusive museum environment, and built lasting relationships with regional schools. Under his leadership, Bell County Museum was awarded the 2021 John L. Nau III Award for Excellence in Museums for permanent exhibit “Discover Bell County”.

Prof. Hampton has served on Executive Council for Texas Association of Museums, is past chair of Texas Brazos Trail Region and Prehistoric Texas Education Initiative, and a member of the Rotary Club of Temple. He is an active museum advocate, making regular presentations at conferences, group meetings, and gatherings of elected officials.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with wife Marianna, tenured professor of Communication Studies at McLennan Community College, and their incredible daughter.

What is your favorite museum?

Museums are experiential. Each visit is put into context: phase of life, those present during the visit, interactions with museum staff, the weather, on and on. I do not have a favorite museum. As a museum professional, working in museums is a job, not a hobby.

My favorite museum experience is visiting the Musee D’Orsay in Paris on a high school trip. Our group had just studied the Impressionists in school, I was with dear friends, my dad was on the trip as a chaperone, and it was a fun, carefree time in my life. 

Primary Courses Taught

• Non-Profit Perspectives (U)
• Introduction to Museums (U)