Teel Bivins



Miles Teel Bivins (November 22, 1947 – October 26, 2009) was an American diplomat and politician. He served as a Republican member for the 31st district of the Texas Senate, and also as the 18th United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.

Early life and education
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Bivins was the son of Betty Teel Lovell and Lee Truscott Bivins. He had three brothers. He attended the Colorado Academy and then Tulane University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. He also attended Southern Methodist University's law school, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1974.

Career
In 1989, Bivins won election in the 31st district of the Texas Senate. He succeeded politician Bill Sarpalius. Bivins was listed in Texas Monthly's "The Best and Worst Legislators" four times. In 2004, he was succeeded by Kel Seliger in a special election.

Bivins then served as the 18th United States ambassador to Sweden, having been nominated by President George W. Bush. In 2006, Bivins became ill and resigned from his post; he was succeeded by Michael M. Wood.

Bivins returned to the United States to reside in Texas. He endowed the Teel Bivins Chair of Political Science at West Texas A&M University.

Personal life
Bivins died on October 26, 2009, in Texas, at the age of 61.

Election history
Election history of Bivins from 1992.