McDowell Institute Lecture Series

The McDowell Institute Lecture Series hosts speakers who examine and discuss the problems and prospects of leadership, constitutionalism, political economy, politics, and ethical reasoning. Open to students, faculty, staff, and the larger Richmond community, the lectures feature some of the world's top scholars and most influential thinkers.

2026–27 Events

Sept. 23 • 5 p.m. • Robins School of Business, Ukrop Auditorium
Frederick Douglass Sizes Up Abraham Lincoln:
A Debate About the American Promise

Lucas Morel
Provost Faculty Fellow and John K. Boardman, Jr. Professor of Politics, Department Head, Washington & Lee University

Dr. Morel’s work focuses on American government, political theory, Abraham Lincoln, Ralph Ellison, and race and equality.

January 20 • 4:45 p.m. • Location to be announced
Forum on Conservative Thought

GMI hosts a group of prominent thinkers to address the state of American conservatism from different viewpoints and different vantage points—journalism, public policy, academia, and politics. Throughout the day, guests will discuss conservative frameworks for evaluating pressing governance issues and meet with student fellows. The forum concludes with a moderated public discussion. We look forward to announcing the names of the panelists in the coming weeks.

March 18 • 5 p.m. • Jepson Alumni Center
On Liberalism: In Defense of Freedom

Cass Sunstein
Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University Law School

Best-selling author and American legal scholar Cass Sunstein is known for his work in U.S. constitutional law, administrative law, environmental law, and behavioral economics.