Brazile, Rove Keynote Speakers for Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture

Renowned political strategists Donna Brazile and Karl Rove will be the keynote speakers for the inaugural Chancellor’s Dare to Learn Lecture, an extension of the Campus Life Leadership Lecture Series. 

The new lecture aims to expose the campus community to diverse perspectives from experts and leaders and encourage the community to explore a wide range of ideas. The lecture’s name reflects the university’s motto, Discere Aude, which is often translated as “dare to learn.” 

“A university setting is the perfect arena to consider new knowledge and inspire a free exchange of ideas from multiple perspectives,” said Chancellor Aswani K. Volety. “I hope the new lecture sparks healthy conversations and dares the community to dig deeper and expand its horizons.”

The Dare to Learn Lecture will be held Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Kenan Auditorium. The event is free; however, tickets are required. Tickets are available through the Kenan Ticket Office.

The political powerhouses will square off in a candid and informative debate to decode the uncertainty and partisanship of Washington and provide insight and actionable takeaways on the future political landscape. Jon Evans, WECT anchor and assistant news director, will serve as moderator.  The moderated discussion will include a Q&A session. 

Brazile is a New York Times Bestselling Author and an Emmy and Peabody award-winning media contributor. She became the first African American woman to serve as the manager of a major party presidential campaign, running the campaign of former Vice President Al Gore. She previously served as interim chair of the Democratic National Committee and the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute. 

Karl Rove is also a New York Times Bestselling Author and frequently appears on FOX News as a contributor. He writes a weekly column for the Wall Street Journal. Rove is the former deputy chief of staff and senior advisor to President George W. Bush. Before the White House, he ran Rove + Co., a Texas-based public affairs firm that consulted with over 75 GOP campaigns in 24 states. 

The Department of Campus Life coordinates the Leadership Lecture Series, which explores leadership through guest speakers’ stories and experiences. The series engages the community in conversations on contemporary issues that impact the broader community and beyond.