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About the Series

Bringing the world's most interesting and provocative people to Dallas for more than 25 years, SMU's Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series is one of the country's leading forums for intellectual inquiry and discussion.

From presidents to prime ministers, from prize-winning authors and actors to eminent scientists and business leaders – the series offers once-in-a lifetime exposure to the world's leading minds.

The Tate Lecture Series continues to stimulate, inspire, entertain, and influence – all while benefiting the students of SMU with nearly $1 million in scholarships annually.

The series was named in 1990 for the late Willis M. Tate who, during his tenure as president of SMU, championed freedom of expression on campus.

Willis M. Tate
SMU President 1954-1972, 1974-1976

Willis M. Tate’s tenure as president was remarkable not only for its record length but also for his vision for the University. As SMU’s longest-serving president, Tate guided the University through turbulent times of protests and attacks on academic freedom.

As a student, faculty member, dean, and president, Tate’s life was intertwined with SMU. Although born in Denver, Tate spent part of his childhood in Dallas. He graduated from high school in San Antonio, but as he said, it was inevitable that he eventually come to SMU. He majored in sociology, earning a Bachelor’s degree in 1931 and a Master’s in 1935. Following graduation, he returned to San Antonio, where he taught and served as principal at two schools. He later served in the Methodist church in Houston before returning to SMU as assistant dean of students and teacher of sociology. In May 1955, Willis Tate was inaugurated as the fifth president of SMU. In his inaugural address, he stated a basic principle of his faith: That a nation remains free only as universities are free in their quest for truth. In 1965, after being nominated by SMU faculty, Tate was awarded the Alexander Meiklejohn Award of the American Association of University Professors “for support of academic freedom.”

Tate is well remembered for continually devoting his time to personally meet with students, his energetic efforts to represent SMU in the community, and his leadership, which helped establish SMU as a nationally recognized university.

Proceeds

President's Scholars

Income generated through the Tate Series supports SMU's President's Scholars Program, the most prestigious scholarship opportunity that SMU awards for undergraduate work. The eight Tate Series naming sponsors have the opportunity to support three President's Scholars for the duration of the students' time at SMU. Most President's Scholars spend a fully-funded term abroad, and participate in both the University Honors Program and the Corporate Mentors Program.

Student Foundation

The Student Foundation mission is to provide quality traditional programming that will build community on the SMU campus, strengthen relationships with alumni and friends of the university, and foster student leadership. The Student Foundation provides ushers for all Tate Series Lectures, and a grant from the Tate Series helps support Student Foundation events such as Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Board of Directors