Stephen P. Biles is a naturalized Texan who came to Texas after completing high school. As a child he moved with his father's U.S. Army assignments, growing up in San Francisco, Tacoma, San Antonio, Honolulu and Paris. He holds an MA in history and a PhD in educational psychology. He is now retired after working in public and university administration completing his career at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin. He lives in Austin with his wife.