Independent Historian and Biographer

Michael J. Hightower earned his doctorate in Sociology and taught at UVa before launching his career as an independent historian and biographer. He has written numerous scholarly articles and three award winning histories, including Banking in Oklahoma before Statehood (OU Press, 2013); Banking in Oklahoma, 1907-2000 (OU Press, 2014); and 1889: The Boomer Movement, the Land Run, and Early Oklahoma City (OU Press, 2018).

In his first biography, Michael writes about the biggest corruption buster in his home state’s history under the title, At War with Corruption: A Biography of Bill Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma (2 Cities Press, 2021; distributed by OU Press; chosen as the best nonfiction title of 2021 by the Oklahoma Center for the Book). Michael’s latest biography, Justice for All: Dick T. Morgan, Frontier Lawyer and Common Man’s Congressman (2 Cities Press, 2025; distributed by OU Press), illuminates the career of a progressive Republican whose public service (1880 – 1920) reflects a commitment to justice for all Americans regardless of race, creed, color, and country of origin.

Michael’s third biography, slated for publication in 2026, is George’s Record: The Life Experiences of George J. Records, Businessman, Philanthropist, Conservationist. George Records is the founder and longtime chairman of Oklahoma City-based MidFirst Bank, the largest privately held multibank holding company in the United States.

Michael lives in Charlottesville and Oklahoma City. For more information, visit www.oupress.com and www.michaeljhightower.com.