STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Nominations are being accepted for 2025 distinguished speakers for the Last Lecture series at Tarleton State University. University employees and Stephenville and Erath County community members are invited to submit suggestions, which may be made through Dec. 2 for the spring event.
Criteria for speakers includes having at least 10 years with the university as faculty or staff (current or retired), student (current or alum) or any combination. Last Lecture speakers share wisdom from their life experiences to inspire colleagues and students.
The idea for the series came in 1955 from six distinguished UCLA professors who offered their life philosophy through the lens of discipline, interests and personal experiences. The series has become a tradition at many universities, gaining popularity in 2007 when Dr. Randy Pausch delivered a talk, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” at Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Christopher Guthrie, a history professor and Texas A&M University System Regents Professor, gave Tarleton State’s inaugural lecture in 2014. Other individuals who have presented the Tarleton State Last Lecture are Dr. Jim Kirby, Dr. Jim Gentry, Dr. Rudy Tarpley, Dr. Casey Thompson, Dr. David Frazier, Dr. Reggie Hall and Dr. Wendell Sadler.
Visit https://www.tarleton.edu/cee/the-last-lecture-series/ to submit a nomination.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.