Events

The Patman Center hosts thought-provoking events with speakers across the partisan spectrum and are designed to strengthen civic leadership at every level. From practical skill-building trainings to in-depth discussions with political professionals or elected officials, our programs offer valuable insights for anyone engaged in public life.

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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. 

Photos of our audience

View and Download Photos!

Check out photos from our LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith and Renewing Democracy Speaker Series events.

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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.

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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

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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday January 12, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us as we kick off the semester with the first woman ever elected as Harris County Judge. Judge Hidalgo will share her unique experiences leading one of America’s largest counties and offer insight into public leadership, civic responsibility, and governing in a diverse, dynamic community.
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A Conversation with Glenn Hegar - Chancellor and Former Comptroller

Event Status
Canceled
Wednesday January 14, 2026, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED This conversation will feature reflections from his time as Chancellor of the Texas A&M System and his service as Comptroller for the State of Texas. Chancellor Hegar will discuss the pressing issues and challenges facing higher education today, as well as the broader political, economic, and policy landscape shaping Texas at this moment.
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Leading Through Tragedy: A Civic Leadership Case Study on the 2022 Uvalde School Shooting and the Community Advocacy Efforts That Followed

Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday January 22, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
State Senator Roland Gutierrez, Marty Golando, and Manny Garcia join the LBJ School to share a powerful case study on leading in moments of crisis following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. Together they will reflect on the demands of public leadership amid tragedy—comforting grieving families, uniting a shaken community, and helping families organize to advocate for change. The conversation will examine how sustained civic leadership advanced both accountability efforts with the Texas Department of Public Safety and secured $34 million in funding for a new Behavioral Health Center in Uvalde.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: State Representative Gene Wu and State Senator Carol Alvarado

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday January 26, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: What Rural Texas Needs with Nate Sheets, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday January 29, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us as Nate Sheets, 2026 Republican candidate for Texas Agriculture Commissioner, discusses the challenges facing rural communities across Texas. He will share his vision for strengthening agriculture, economic opportunity, and the future of rural Texas.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Joe Straus, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday February 2, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Hear from Joe Straus, former Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, in a conversation about today’s most pressing political issues. From Texas governance to national party politics, Straus will explore how political norms are changing—and what those shifts mean for policy, leadership, and civic life.
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LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Bobby Pulido, award-winning Tejano artist and candidate for U.S. Congress (TX-15)

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday February 3, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us as we talk to the native of the Rio Grande Valley and a lifelong resident of Edinburg. Pulido will discuss his campaign for Congress while also engaging in a timely conversation about the news and issues shaping our community and country today.
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Event News

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Cultivating the Next Generation of Civic Leaders: Fall 2025 Recap

Dec. 16, 2025
As The Patman Center concludes another productive semester, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the breadth of work accomplished and the momentum built across the UT-Austin campus. Guided by its mission to cultivate civic leaders, strengthen democratic participation, and expand hands-on learning opportunities, The Center experienced strong growth in attendance, broadened its bipartisan programming, fostered meaningful civic dialogue, and deepened student involvement.
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2024-2025 in Review: Memories from the Patman Center

June 11, 2025
At the close of the 2024-2025 academic year, The Patman Center proudly reflects on a year of growth, innovation, and impact.
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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!
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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.
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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.