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.

View archived ULS events.

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 2024 Herbert Family University Lecture Series

September 16th and 17th, 7:00pm - 8:00pm at Bass Concert Hall

Beyond Debate: Dialogue, Discussion, and Discourse

Monday, September 16th – Night 1 will focus on the importance of difficult conversations with featured speakers Dr. Talia Stroud, Dr. Shetal Vohra-Gupta, and Professor David M. Rabban. (Watch the video)

Tuesday, September 17th – Night 2 will focus on engaging in effective dialogue with featured speakers Dr. Gaylen Paulson, Dr. Anita Vangelisti, and Dr. Matthew McGlone. (Watch the video)

Spring 2024 Herbert Family University Lecture Series

Breaking Barriers, Eliminating Limits: How Cross Identity Mentorship Can Change Your World (Watch the video)
Dr. Richard Reddick
Thursday, Feb. 22, 7-8 p.m., WCP Student Activity Center, 1.402 Auditorium
On our journeys in college and life, it is essential to stand on the shoulders of others who help us see further than what we imagine. In this lecture, Dr. Reddick will share insights from his research on mentoring and developmental relationships on ways that differences between mentors and mentees can actually be advantageous as both strive toward their goals.

Follow Your Own Lead: How Philosophy Can Help (Watch the video)
Dr. Anat Schechtman
Wednesday, March 6, 7-8 p.m., WCP Student Activity Center, 1.402 Auditorium

Young people are often told: “Follow your own lead!” or “Think for yourself!”. But what does this amount to, and how does one do it well? Further, how do these injunctions square with reliance on teachers, role models, and experienced leaders—are young people supposed to ignore their counsel? Drawing on lessons from the discipline of philosophy and my experience teaching it to students, I explore some theoretical and practical solutions to these questions.

Who Makes News? (Watch the video)
Dr. Kathleen McElroy
Tuesday, March 26, 7-8 p.m., WCP Student Activity Center, 1.402 Auditorium

Leadership practices determine not only what is news but who thrives in newsroom and stays in the news industry.

Running For Their Lives
A Conversation About Red-S with Athletes & Medical Experts
Monday, March 25, 6:30-8 p.m., Texas Union Movie Theatre

Join us as we peel away the misleading myths about overtraining, under-fueling, and supporting societal pressures, and sheds light on an imminent threat silently plaguing female athletes – the disease few know the name: RED-S.

Featured Video

Hear from Senior Vice Provost for Curriculum & Enrollment and Dean of Undergraduate College Richard Reddick on the importance of the lecture series.