The Patman Center Events

The Patman Center hosts several events dedicated to nurturing the future leaders of our society.

audience member taking photo of speaker with phone

Speaker Series

Throughout the semester, The Patman Center will host civic leaders at the school and give students the opportunity to learn, directly from the professionals, how to help our democracy thrive. 

group photo with Patman center sign front and center

Undergraduate Leadership Weekend

Each year, The Patman Center hosts a transformative public service weekend for undergraduate students considering careers in public service. In July 2023, 45 undergraduates from 31 colleges participated in the four-day program to develop skills and hands-on training in public speaking, oral testimony preparation, conflict resolution, and coalition building.

silhouette of person speaking into microphone

Leadership Symposium

Each year, The Patman Center recognizes graduating Patman Scholars, welcomes incoming Patman Scholars, honors the recipient of The Patman Research Award for Advancing Democracy, and thanks its Senior Fellows for their contributions and mentorship.

The Patman Center Events

Dialogue Across Difference Training

Event Status
Scheduled
Sunday February 23, 2025, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Would you like to feel confident in your ability to have difficult political conversations? Do you want to learn practical skills for managing conflict and dispute resolution in civic life? Join us for this exciting new training that focuses on both the skills you need to engage in difficult dialogue, but also the knowledge you need to manage conflict as a civic leader. Free and open to all students (undergraduate and graduate) who are affiliated with a university in Texas. 

LBJ Conversations with Lisa Davis

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday February 24, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - SRH 3.122
A conversation with Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, moderated by professor of practice and Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith. Registration required.

LBJ Conversations with Nathan Johnson

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday March 3, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - SRH 3.122
A conversation with State Senator Nathan Johnson (D-Dallas), moderated by professor of practice and Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith. Registration required.

LBJ Conversations with Nathan Hecht and Wallace Jefferson

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday March 10, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - SRH 3.122
A conversation with The Honorable Nathan Hecht and The Honorable Wallace Jefferson, former Chief Justices of the Texas Supreme Court, moderated by professor of practice and Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith. Registration required.

The Exit Interview: A Conversation with Jay Hartzell, Former President of The University of Texas at Austin

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday March 24, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
An exit interview with Jay Hartzell, former President of The University of Texas at Austin, moderated by professor of practice and Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith. Registration required.

LBJ Conversations with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday March 24, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - SRH 3.122
A conversation with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, moderated by professor of practice and Texas Tribune co-founder Evan Smith. Registration required.

The Halfway Point: An 89th Session Update

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday March 25, 2025, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Three of the best journalists covering the Legislature on what's happened so far and the road to Sine Die. This event is moderated by Evan Smith. Registration required.
See our full list of events here!

Event News

Photo of two Patman Center students

Students On Their Experience Taking Patman Center Classes

Nov. 7, 2024
To celebrate the Patman Center’s one year anniversary, we are highlighting two LBJ students who have taken classes at The Patman Center. In the past year, The Patman Center has offered six courses at The LBJ School. Learn what its like to take a Patman Center class!
JC Dwyer headshot

Lifelong Learners On Why They Come To Patman Events

Nov. 1, 2024
The Patman Center prides itself on making civic leaders and lessons on democratic participation accessible to the public. Each week, all Patman Center events are open and free to all members of the public. Learn more about what this life-long learner gets out of attending our events.
Miles Andres

LBJ student taking Patman Center courses reflects on their impact

April 8, 2024
This month, The Patman Center is pleased to highlight one of our students, Miles Andres. He’s taking "The Politics and Issues of the Election Cycle" and "Skills for Civic Leadership", both Patman Center affiliated courses. Miles says choosing to take both classes was an easy decision.