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.

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.

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

View and download photos from our events. Tag @LBJSchool and @PatmanCenter on social!

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

LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: CNN Presidential Historian Douglas Brinkley

Event Status

Scheduled

Monday February 16, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall

Join us on President’s Day with a U.S. presidential historian and best-selling author, as we celebrate by welcoming one of the nation’s foremost voices on American leadership. Brinkley, author of acclaimed books including The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race, and Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America, will explore the presidency, its legacy, and what history can teach us about our moment today.

Testify with Confidence: A Guide to Legislative Committee Hearings

Event Status

Scheduled

Tuesday February 17, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

SRH 3.214

This training equips students with the skills and strategies to deliver clear, persuasive oral testimony on issues that matter to them. Students will learn how to prepare, present, and make an impact during legislative committee hearings with confidence and clarity.

LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Taylor Rehmet, member-elect Texas Senate

Event Status

Scheduled

Friday February 20, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall

Taylor Rehmet just flipped TX-District 9 in a historic special election, defeating Republican Leigh Wambsganss in a seat that had been held by the GOP for decades. President Trump carried the district by 17 points in 2024 and Rehmet will share insights on grassroots campaigning, engaging voters across party lines, and what this remarkable win could mean for the future of Texas politics.

LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Jon Ralston, CEO of The Nevada Independent

Event Status

Scheduled

Monday February 23, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall

Join us for a conversation with Jon Ralston, CEO of The Nevada Independent and author of "The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight". Ralston will offer behind-the-scenes insights into modern political power, media, and strategy, drawing on his deep experience covering Nevada and national politics.

LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith: Crime and Punishment with Jose Garza, Travis County District Attorney

Event Status

Scheduled

Tuesday February 24, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall

Join us for Crime and Punishment, a moderated conversation with José Garza, Travis County District Attorney. Garza will discuss the politics and pressing issues shaping criminal justice today, offering insight into how this moment is redefining public safety and accountability in Central Texas.

Field Notes: How Collective Impact Groups Take Root and Grow

Event Status

Scheduled

Thursday February 26, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm

SRH 3.214

This moderated conversation with Randan Steinhauser (R) and Cliff Walker (D) offers real-world insights into building and sustaining collaborative efforts for social change. Through shared stories and practical takeaways, students will learn how collective impact groups form, navigate challenges, and create lasting progress in their communities.

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Event News

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.