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.

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.

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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

Jeff Leach
Event Status
Scheduled
Monday October 6, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a moderated conversation with State Representative Jeff Leach (TX-67) on the politics and issues shaping Texas today. Chair of the House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee, Representative Leach will share his perspective on the state of our criminal justice system, the future of Texas' courts, and what to expect as we look ahead to the 2026 elections.
Nancy Zdunkewicz
Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday October 7, 2025, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
SRH 3.B10
Learn how campaigns are using online and text-based polling to reach voters and gather real-time insights. This session will cover modern tools and techniques that are reshaping political strategy in a digital world.
Kirk Watson
Event Status
Scheduled
Wednesday October 8, 2025, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a conversation with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson on the challenges and opportunities facing the city today. He’ll discuss efforts to address affordability and housing, public safety and policing, and the future of transportation and mobility in a rapidly changing Austin.
Vincent Harris
Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday October 9, 2025, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
SRH 3.B10
Social media can amplify your message – or bury it. This session explores how to build targeted, compelling strategies that turn online engagement into real-world support. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to move from clicks to votes.
Sarah Eckhardt
Event Status
Scheduled
Monday October 13, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a dynamic conversation with Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt (TX-14) as she reflects on the most pressing issues she tackled during the recent legislative session, including reproductive healthcare access, strengthening local government authority and supporting public safety reforms.
LindleyPollard
Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday October 16, 2025, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
SRH 3.B10
Campaign events are powerful tools for energizing supporters, attracting media, and building momentum. This session covers how to strategically plan, promote, and execute events that leave a lasting impact.
Brian McCall
Event Status
Scheduled
Monday October 20, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join former State Representative and Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall for a discussion about Texas politics, higher education, and the issues of today.
View all Events

Event News

A large group of Patman students

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.
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.