Past Keynote Speakers
View a list of History's past commencement speakers.
2023
Dr. Nichole S. Prescott, Class of '96, BA in History.
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at the University of Texas System.
Proud citizen of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma (Myaamia)
2022
Ceremony not held due to COVID-19 pandemic.
2021
Ceremony held virtually due to COVID-19 pandemic. Watch the video.
Dr. Jacqueline Jones, BA History University of Delaware, Ph.D. History University of Wisconsin-Madison
Professor of History, UT Austin, 2008-2021. Past President, American Historical Association.
Ellen C. Temple Chair in Women’s History and Mastin Gentry White Professor of Southern History
2020
Ceremony not held due to COVID-19 pandemic. Departmental words of congratulations to graduates available HERE.
2019
LeeAnn Stack, Class of ’08, J.D. ’12. BA in History and French
Program Manager, Intellectual Propery Operations at Facebook
Graduated with special honors in History. Read the transcript.
2018
Tim Taliaferro, BA with High Honors, History and Plan II majors, 2005
Masters in Journalism, Northwestern University
Chief Innovative officer, Texas Monthly, former Editor in Chief The Alcalde
2017
Brian P. Levack, BA History Fordham, Ph.D. History, Yale
Professor of History, UT Austin, 1969-2017
John E. Green Regents Professor in History and Distinguished Teaching Professor. Read the transcript.
2016
Shaka Smart, B.A., History, 1999, Kenyon College | M.A. Social Studies, 2001, California Univ. of Pennsylvania
Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Texas at Austin. Watch the video
2015
Josiah M. Daniel, III, Class of '86 (M.A.), J.D. '78
Attorney, Philanthropist, Inaugural Chair of the History Visiting Committee (2008-2014)
2014
The Honorable Pete Geren, Class of '75, J.D. '78
Attorney, Businessman, Philanthropist, Former U.S. Congressman, Department of Defense
2013
Maidie Ryan, Class of '96, J.D. '01
Attorney, Philanthropist, community volunteer, Life Member, Texas Exes
2012
Rob Thomas, Class of '87
Renowned screenwriter, television producer, and author
2011
Joseph D. Jamail, Class of '50, J.D. '53
Lawyer and Philanthropist, Houston, Texas
2010
Dr. Bryant "Tip" Ragan, Class of '81
Chair of the Department of History, Colorado College, Colorado Springs
2009
Paul Bartholomew, Class of '94
Actor, 2008 Jeep Liberty Commercial
2008
John Schwartz, Class of '79
Science Reporter, The New York Times
Since January 2009, Schwartz has been the national legal correspondent for the Times.
2007
Dr. Nancy S. Footer, Class of '80
Vice Chancellor and General Counsel, University of North Texas System
2006
Dr. Ricardo Romo, Class of ’67
President, University of Texas at San Antonio. B.S. Education, with teaching field in History.
University of Texas track star. University of Texas History faculty & Vice Provost.
2005
Lynda Johnson Robb, Class of '66
“Professional volunteer”. Philanthropist. First Lady of Virginia.
Graduated with special honors in History.
2004
Sally Kleberg, Class of '66
Family Business Office Manager (King Ranch). Philanthropist, Writer, and Educator.
2003
Doug English, Class of '76
Philanthropist, Lone Star Paralysis Foundation. Co-Owner, ProLine, Distributing, Austin. NFL & Longhorn football legend.
2002
Jane Macon, Class of '67
Partner, Fulbright & Jaworski, San Antonio.
National Women's Political Caucus' Long Haul of Fame.
2001
Adm. Bobby R. Inman, Class of '50
Faculty LBJ School of Public Relations. Businessman. Active in public service. United States Navy, retired.
