FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lectures Committee invites faculty and staff to submit proposals for spring 2017 speakers. The committee will provide a $25,000 grant for a public lecture at the University of Arkansas.

Proposals highlighting the speaker's ability to communicate ideas that stimulate public discussion, intellectual debate and cultural advancements must be received by Tuesday, April 4, and must not exceed two pages.

"Our students have had opportunities to interact with amazing people thanks to the Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lecture Series," said Kathryn Sampson, campus chair of the committee. "This multidisciplinary series brings one-of-a-kind programs to our community, by tapping into the ideas and resources of faculty and professional staff whose energy and creativity make each program uniquely extraordinary."

Previous lecturers have included indigenous rights advocate Rigorberta Menchú, sustainability scholar Lee Lynd, authors Jonathan Kozol and Isabel Allende, poets W.S. Mervin and Billy Collins, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, peace champion Howard Zinn, conservationist Daniel Janzen, and public servant and civil rights pioneer Harvey Gantt. These speakers were co-sponsored by departments and colleges across campus, including units in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences; Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design; J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences; Sam M. Walton College of Business; College of Engineering; and University of Arkansas Press.

To apply for the grant, email the proposal to ksampson@uark.edu no later than 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, April 4. Proposals should include:

• a brief biography of the proposed distinguished lecturer and relevant contact information
• a summary of estimated costs (primarily focusing on speaker fee and venue); and
• acknowledgement of support by the relevant college dean or administrative unit, as a co-signatory of the proposal

Proposals will be considered by the University of Arkansas Distinguished Lectures Committee and a nomination will be presented to the University of Arkansas System, Winthrop Rockefeller Distinguished Lectures Advisory Committee. 

For more information on the University of Arkansas systemwide lecture series, please see the lecture brochure.