Guest Speakers

Inaugural Communication and Leadership Speaker Series

Chancellor William H. McCraven

On February 21, 2017, The Moody College of Communication hosted UT System Chancellor William H. McCraven for the inaugural event of the Communication and Leadership Speaker Series.

The speaker series is the public showcase event of the new communication and leadership degree program in the Moody College of Communication. Launched in 2016, it is an interdisciplinary program that seeks to educate and inspire future leaders to effect positive change in our complicated world.

Before McRaven (B.J. ’77) was an admiral in the U.S. Navy, commander of the U.S. Special Operations Command and chancellor of The University of Texas System, he studied in the School of Journalism.

At the event, McRaven spoke about the relevance and importance of communication and the unique role higher education plays in developing tomorrow’s leaders.

In 1996, McRaven used his writing, communication and journalism training from Moody College to help author his book, “Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice,” cited as an insightful study of military engagement.

He delivered the keynote speaker at The University of Texas at Austin’s spring commencement on May 17, 2014. His speech has since been viewed more than 4.2 million times.

“There is no one better to deliver the inaugural address of the Communication and Leadership Speaker Series than Chancellor McRaven,” said Jay Bernhardt, dean of the Moody College of Communication. “One of our most accomplished alumni, he is a visionary leader whose career has spanned numerous sectors and served as a testament to the value of communication education. He serves as an role model and embodies the characteristics and competencies that we hope to instill in our students.” 

To view photos from the event, visit the Moody College of Communication Flickr page. 

View Chancellor McRaven's Speech

Caroline Boudreaux

On March 22, 2017, Miracle Foundation founder Caroline Boudreaux visited Moody College as part of the inaugural Communication and Leadership Speaker Series.

Boudreaux is founder of the Miracle Foundation, a nonprofit that has transformed the standards for orphanages in India since its inception in 2000. Before launching the Miracle Foundation, Boudreaux was a highly successful media salesperson. During a trip to India she visited an orphanage, which proved to be a transformative experience and led to her founding the organization.

Boudreaux’s story of the creation and evolution of the Miracle Foundation included lessons related to leadership, communication and social change. After the event, Boudreaux met with Communication and Leadership students for a small group discussion.

To view photos from the event, visit the Moody College of Communication Flickr page.

View Ms. Bourdreaux's Speech

Jan Shubert

On April 12, 2017, author and former director of the Center for Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College Jan Shubert visited Moody College as part of the inaugural Communication and Leadership Speaker Series.

Shubert's message is one of positive empowerment with a style of lecture that interacts with students to engage them in discussion.

To view photos of the event, visit the Moody College of Communication Flickr page.

Watch Dr. Shubert's Speech