Designed to create a campus-wide conversation, the Helen and Jeff Herbert Family University Lecture Series gives first-year students an opportunity to interact with leading members of our faculty—scholars, scientists, and civic leaders who are nationally and internationally renowned. All students, faculty, alumni, staff, and community guests are invited, but the events will be aimed at entering first-year students. The Helen and Jeff Herbert Family University Lecture Series is made possible by a generous gift from the Herbert Family.
Spring 2025 Herbert Family University Lecture Series
Beyond Debate: Dialogue, Discussion, and Discourse
The HFULS in Spring 2025 will continue our fall series Beyond Debate. Each evening will feature a different speaker covering the importance of engaging in difficult conversations followed by a Q&A session.
This spring, we are excited to introduce an element of experiential learning into our acclaimed lecture series! At the conclusion of the Q&A, students will have the opportunity to immediately put the lecture to work by forming small groups and discussing free speech on campus. Students will build on the ideas and lessons from the lecture while they engage in discourse with their peers. Pizza and prizes provided! Space is limited.
How Can Students Successfully Speak Out on the Issues They Care About
Mark Strama, Director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
Thursday, March 6, 6:30-8pm, WCP Ballroom (Watch the video)
The Influence of Digital Media and How That Shapes In-person Social Interactions
Dr. Sean Upshaw
Wednesday, March 12, 6:30-8pm, WCP Ballroom (Listen to the lecture—Audio Only available)
The Importance of Difficult Conversations in the Classroom
Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta
Wednesday, March 26, 6:30-8pm, San Jacinto Multipurpose Room (Watch the video)
Fall 2025 University Lecture Series
September 22nd, 6:00pm-7:00pm & 8:00pm-9:00pm at Hogg Auditorium
September 23rd, 6:00pm-7:00pm & 8:00pm-9:00pm at Hogg Auditorium
You Belong Here: Cultivating Community in a Changing World & Connection and Care on Campus
Students consistently report that feeling a sense of connection and community is central to their success and well-being at UT. Through this series, we hope to highlight the importance of belonging and provide insights, stories, and strategies from experts who can help students begin to navigate and discover their place in the Longhorn community from the very start.
Monday, September 22nd - Night 1: Cultivating Community in a Changing World invites attendees to reflect on how we build meaningful connections in new and evolving environments. This evening of lectures will explore ways to create opportunities and engage with campus life, foster authentic relationships in virtual and hybrid spaces, and participate in civic life to shape the communities we’re part of. This event offers practical insights and inspiration for creating lasting ties both within and beyond the Forty Acres. (Watch the video)
Featured speakers:
Dr. Richard Reddick, Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Dr. S. Craig Watkins, Moody College of Communication
Mark Strama, Director of the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life
Tuesday, September 23rd - Night 2: Connection and Care on Campus invites attendees to explore how meaningful relationships and personal well-being shape the college experience. This evening of lectures will focus on creating opportunities for community building, cultivating mindfulness and self-compassion, and engaging in constructive dialogue around campus conflicts. Whether you're seeking strategies for resilience or ways to foster a more connected community, this event will provide valuable insights to support both personal growth and collective care. (Watch the video)
Featured speakers -
Dr. Richard Reddick, Senior Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
Dr. Noёl Busch-Armendariz, Steve Hicks School of Social Work
Dr. Kristen Neff, College of Education