The Patman Center brings together speakers from across the political spectrum, including public leaders, political professionals, and policy experts. Our events provide real-world perspectives on governance, campaigns, and civic life, offering students and the broader community an inside look at how leadership and democracy function in practice.
2025 Past Speakers
Throughout the 2025 academic year, Patman Center programming connected audiences with 26 leaders actively engaged in politics from both sides of the aisle, including elected officials, campaign strategists, and legislative staff, providing firsthand insight into how political decisions are made.
2024 Past Speakers
In Spring 2024, The Patman Center welcomed 36 distinguished speakers from across the political spectrum. From Republican to Democratic elected officials to legislative staff and campaign professionals, our events bring real-world insights from leaders shaping politics today.
The Patman Center Events
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday March 2, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for an engaging discussion on Senator Eckhardt's candidacy, why she’s running, and her vision for the state’s chief financial office. With Texas projected to have a substantial surplus in 2026, Eckhardt will reflect on the key fiscal and political issues Texans need to watch this year.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday March 3, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.214
This session explores the core principles of building effective teams and leading with purpose. Students learn strategies for fostering trust, shared vision, and collaboration to strengthen their organization's impact from the inside out.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday March 5, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a timely conversation with Evan Smith and Karl Rove, who will break down the results of a high-stakes primary election—especially in Texas’s hotly contested races—and explore what the outcomes mean for the road ahead and the future of American politics.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday March 9, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a special conversation with Evan Smith and Chris Bosh, NBA Hall of Famer and Olympic gold medalist. Bosh will reflect on his storied basketball career and the leadership lessons he learned on and off the court, before offering thoughtful commentary on the current state of democracy and the political moment we are living in today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday March 10, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Drawing on decades of leadership at the highest levels of government and international diplomacy, Ambassador Hutchison will reflect on the politics and issues shaping the current moment, the evolving role of NATO and global alliances, and the challenges facing public leadership today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday March 23, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a timely conversation with State Representative Gene Wu, Minority Leader of the Texas House, and State Senator Carol Alvarado, Minority Leader of the Texas Senate. As leaders in their respective chambers, they will discuss the future of the Democratic Party in Texas and the politics and issues shaping the state today.