Don't you just love it when a historian is named UW homecoming parade grand marshal?

Phil Roberts, associate professor of history at the University of Wyoming, has been chosen to be the Grand Marshal of the annual UW Homecoming parade.

He will lead the procession of floats, bands and other units through downtown Laramie beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15. The parade starts at Ninth and Ivinson streets, goes west to Second Street, south on Second Street to Grand Avenue, then east on Grand to 12th Street.

A native of Lusk, Roberts spent his early years on a ranch homesteaded by his grandfather. He holds a B.S. in political science and a J.D. from UW and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Washington.

A UW faculty member since 1990, Roberts has served as editor of "Annals of Wyoming." He is co-author (with his two brothers) of the "Wyoming Almanac," now in its fifth edition, and his edited textbook, "Readings in Wyoming History," is in its fourth edition.

The Oregon-California Trails Association (OCTA) presented its Outstanding Educator of the Year award to Roberts earlier this year. He was honored for "excellence in making the history of the emigrant trails come alive for University of Wyoming students"  and for his work in using the trails across Wyoming to illustrate an approach to looking at Wyoming from the perspective as a "trail to somewhere else."

"While my office is at the university, my classroom is the state of Wyoming," Roberts says.

The Homecoming tradition, started in 1922, continues with this year's theme: "WANTED: Cowboys of the West," highlighting the rich history of Wyoming and cowboys and cowgirls who helped tame the west.

Special guests include the UW Alumni Association distinguished alumni Charles "Chuck" Brown, Michael Jording and Carol (Buchenroth) Tome, along with Medallion Service Award recipient Peter K. Simpson.

For more information about the parade or Homecoming events call the UW Alumni Association at (307) 766-4166 or visit www.wyoalumni.com .

Photo: Phil Roberts, University of Wyoming associate professor of history, will lead the annual UW Homecoming parade that starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Ninth and Ivinson streets. (Dave Roberts Photo)