STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University employees and Stephenville and Erath County community members are invited to submit suggestions for speakers for the 2024 Last Lecture Speaker Series. Nominations may be made through Oct. 9. 

Nominees must have at least 10 years with the university as faculty or staff (current or retired) or student (current or alum), or any combination. Last Lecture speakers share wisdom from their life experiences to inspire colleagues and students.

Six distinguished UCLA professors had the idea for a Last Lecture Series in 1955, offering 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 A&M University System Regents Professor, gave Tarleton’s inaugural lecture in 2014. Other Tarleton State faculty members who have presented the Last Lecture are Dr. Jim Kirby, Dr. Jim Gentry, Dr. Rudy Tarpley, Dr. Casey Thompson, Dr. David Frazier and Dr. Reggie Hall.

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.