Miles Teel Bivins (November 22, 1947[1] – October 26, 2009) was an American diplomat and politician. He served as a Republican member for the 31st district of the Texas Senate,[2] and also as the 18th United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.[1]
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Bivins was the son of Betty Teel Lovell and Lee Truscott Bivins.[1] He had three brothers.[1] He attended the Colorado Academy and then Tulane University, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970.[1] He also attended Southern Methodist University's law school, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1974.[1]
In 1989, Bivins won election in the 31st district of the Texas Senate.[1][2] He succeeded politician Bill Sarpalius. Bivins was listed in Texas Monthly's "The Best and Worst Legislators" four times.[2] In 2004, he was succeeded by Kel Seliger in a special election.[3]
Bivins then served as the 18th United States ambassador to Sweden,[1] having been nominated by President George W. Bush.[1] 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.[1]
Bivins died on October 26, 2009, in Texas, at the age of 61.[1]
Election history of Bivins from 1992.[4]