Distinguished Lecture Series

The Distinguished Lecture Series exists to promote learning, connection, and leadership across West Texas. It’s a beloved community series and has been a hallmark program of the Shepperd Leadership Institute since its founding.

The Distinguished Lectures are open to the general public and free of charge thanks to generous donations from the Shepperd Inner Circle.

Have an idea for a distinguished lecturer? Submit your idea here.

Nominate a Distinguished Lecturer

Upcoming Lectures

Distinguished Lecture Series with Anthony Robles

Distinguished Lecture Series Featuring Anthony Robles

October 7, 2025
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Free lecture event with Anthony Robles, NCAA wrestling national champion, ESPN college wrestling expert & analyst, and motivational speaker & author.
Distinguished Lecture Series with Holly Rowe

Distinguished Lecture Series Featuring Holly Rowe

February 10, 2026
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

Free lecture event with Holly Rowe, sports journalist, ESPN reporter & Commentator, and sports Emmy winner.

Past Lectures

See All Past Lectures
Distinguished Lecture Series with Terry Bradshaw

Distinguished Lecture Series Featuring Terry Bradshaw

March 25, 2025
Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center

The first NFL player with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Bradshaw continues to defy an easy pigeonhole. Four-time Super Bowl champion quarterback (Pittsburgh Steelers), two-time Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee. Multi-Emmy and award-winning broadcaster for FOX on Fox NFL Sunday. Enduringly popular actor, gospel/country singer, motivational speaker, New York Times best-selling author, and breeder of championship quarter horses.
See All Past Lectures
Michael Chabon chatting with UTPB leadership
Robert M. Edsel
Robert M. Edsel standing at a podium
Michael Chabon with UTPB leadership
Robert M. Edsel
Monica Tschauner introducing at a podium
Robert M. Edsel standing at a podium
Richard Montanez speaking at event.
Robert M. Edsel
Attendees at Distinguished Lecture Series
Robert M. Edsel standing at a podium
Autograph signing at a Distinguished Lecture Series
Robert M. Edsel
A speaker being introduced at a Distinguished Lecture Series event
Robert M. Edsel standing at a podium
The audience listening to a speaker during a Distinguished Lecture Series event
Robert M. Edsel
A woman listening to a speaker at a Distinguished Lecture Series Event
Robert M. Edsel standing at a podium
Robert M. Edsel Distinguished Lecture
Robert M. Edsel
Participants watching Robert M. Edsel speak during a Distinguished Lecture Event
Robert M. Edsel standing at a podium
Robert M. Edsel speaking to the crowd
Robert M. Edsel Distinguished Lecture
Robert M. Edsel signing a book
Robert M. Edsel speaking with a woman

Photos courtesy of James Durbin, The Oilfield Photographer

Gallery of more photos from UT Permian Basin available on Flickr.