About the Series

Since its founding a century ago, SMU has invited the world's leading voices to enlighten and engage curious minds with thought-provoking and relevant topics of the day. For the past three decades, SMU's Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series has built on that tradition by bringing a broad range of intellectual and entertaining icons to the SMU campus and Dallas community. Widely regarded as one of the country's finest platforms for distinguished and fascinating discussions, the Tate Lecture Series provides unique opportunities for student interaction, faculty discourse and community debate with both leading voices as well as leading minds in their fields.

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

The Tate Lecture Series returns over $700,000 to SMU each year. A primary beneficiary of these funds is the prestigious President's Scholars Program. A portion of the proceeds from the 2011-12 season will support the next generation of leaders by providing full-tuition scholarships and study abroad opportunities for approximately 20 percent of the current President's Scholars. The program's alumni have shaped the intellectual landscape of the SMU community and beyond.

The eight Tate Series naming sponsors have the opportunity to support three President's Scholars for the duration of the students' time at SMU.

The Tate Lecture Series is proud to play a vital role in SMU's Second Century Campaign by continuing to bring the world's most respected voices and unbridled minds to the Dallas community.

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