Communication & Leadership

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.”