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. 

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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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2024, 2025 and What Comes Next: A Conversation with Tyler Pager, White House Correspondent for The New York Times

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday November 10, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for “2024, 2025 and What Comes Next: A Conversation with Tyler Pager”, featuring the distinguished White House correspondent from The New York Times. Tyler draws on his new book, “2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America”, and his front-row coverage of the U.S. presidency to explore how the 2024 election reshaped American democracy—and where we go from here.
MalcolmSutton

Common Ground: A Conversation on Civility and Bipartisanship

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday November 11, 2025, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
In today’s polarized political climate, conversations across party lines are rare — and friendships across those lines, even rarer. Join us for a timely and thought-provoking discussion with two respected Texas leaders, Dr. Molly Beth Malcolm and Johnny Sutton, who have built a lasting, bipartisan friendship rooted in mutual respect, service, and principled leadership.
When We're In Charge Book Cover

2025 Betty Anderson Speaker Series | When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership

Event Status
Scheduled
Thursday November 13, 2025, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join the LBJ School of Public Affairs for a timely conversation with Amanda Litman, CEO and co-founder of Run for Something, and author of Run for Something: A Real‑Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself and When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership. Litman brings a bold, forward-looking perspective on civic engagement, leadership, and the importance of building power from the ground up.
Lisa Davis

A Conversation with Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis

Event Status
Scheduled
Monday November 17, 2025, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a conversation with Lisa Davis, Austin’s Police Chief, as she reflects on the politics and public safety issues shaping the city today. This discussion will explore the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing community and the role of policing in Austin’s future.
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A Conversation with State Senator and Attorney General candidate Nathan Johnson

Event Status
Scheduled
Tuesday November 18, 2025, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a moderated conversation with Nathan Johnson, Texas State Senator and current Democratic candidate for Attorney General, as he shares his vision for the future of justice and governance in Texas. The discussion will explore his policy priorities, campaign goals, and perspectives on the evolving political landscape.
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Event News

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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.
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.