Past Burkett Miller
Distinguished Lecturers
The Burkett Miller Distinguished Lecture Series brings internationally recognized scholars, practitioners, and thinkers to the UTC campus to speak on topics critical to an understanding of the market economy. The series is organized and supported by the Probasco Chair for the benefit of the University, business community, area schools, and the general public.
Fall 2007
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Peter Thiel — Co-Founder and former CEO of Paypal, Peter Thiel, spoke on "Technology and the End of Politics" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Edward Stingham of San Jose State University offered commentary on Mr. Thiel's presentation. Learn more about Peter Thiel Learn more about Peter Thiel's speech |
Fall 2006
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Thomas R. Saving — Thomas R. Saving presented "Medicare: Does It Have a Future?" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Commentary on Dr. Saving's presentation was provided by Dr. Carolyn R. Thompson of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Learn more about Thomas Saving Learn more about Thomas Saving's speech |
Fall 2005
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Edward C. Prescott — Noble Laureate Edward Prescott spoke on "How to Make Everyone Better Off" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Bob Lawson, Professor of Economics at Capital University offered commentary to the Edward Prescott speech. Learn more about Edward Prescott Learn more about Edward Prescott's speech |
Mercer Reynolds — U.S. Ambassador Mercer Reynolds spoke at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on his extensive and distinguished professional career. Topics included entreprenship and new business ventures, fundraising, and politics. Learn more about Mercer Reynolds Learn more about Mercer Reynolds' speech |
Fall 2004
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Wally (Famous) Amos — Author and Entrepreneur Wally Amos spoke on "The Cookie Never Crumbles: Secrets of Entrepreneurial Success" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Samuel Spralls, Assistant Professor of Marketing at UT Chattanooga offered commentary to the Wally Amos speech. Learn more about Wally Amos Learn more about Wally Amos' speech |
Fall 2003
Vernon Smith — Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith spoke on "Freedom, Economic, Theory and Experiment" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. David E. R. Gay, Professor of Economics, University of Arkansas, offered commentary to the Vernon Smith speech. Learn more about Vernon Smith Learn more about Vernon Smith's speech |
Fall 2002
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Van Hilleary — Congressman Van Hilleary spoke on "The Economic Competitiveness of Tennessee in the 21st Century" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Bruce Hutchinson, Professor of Economics at UTC, critiqued Congressman Hilleary's speech. Learn more about Van Hilleary Learn more about Van Hilleary's Speech |
Fall 2001
Linda Chavez — Linda Chavez spoke on "Affirmative Action" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Tim Chavez, columnist and reporter for the Nashville Tennessean, was the commentator for Ms. Chavez's presentation. Learn more about Linda Chavez |
Ward Connerly — Ward Connerly spoke on "Affirmative Action" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Vicki Petzko, UC Foundation Associate Professor at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, critiqued Mr. Connerly's speech. Learn more about Ward Connerly Learn more about Ward Connerly's Speech |
Fall 2000
Walter Williams — Nationally syndicated columnist, Dr. Walter Williams spoke on "The Role of Government in a Free Society." Dr. Charles Baird, Professor of Economics and Director of The Smith Center for Private Enterprise Education, critiqued Dr. Williams' presentation Learn more about Dr. Walter Williams Learn more about Dr. William's Speech |
Fall 1999
John Stossell — John Stossel spoke on "Pandering to Fear: The Media's Crisis Mentality" at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mr. Joe Decosimo, Chairman - UC Foundation, offered a response to Mr. Stossell's speech. Learn more about John Stossell |
Fall 1998
Dan Quayle — U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle spoke on "American Competitiveness" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. James C. Miller III offered a response to the former Vice President's speech. Learn more about Dan Quayle Learn more about Dan Quayle's Speech |
Fall 1997
Steve Forbes — Publisher Steve Forbes presented his perspective on the question, "What's Next for the Economy?" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Dr. Dwight Lee, from The University of Georgia, responded with a counter discussion on Forbes' speech. Learn more about Steve Forbes Learn more about Steve Forbes' Speech |
Thomas Sowell — Thomas Sowell, of the Hoover Institute, spoke on "The Vision of the Anointed" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A commentary was provided by Howard Roddy on Sowell's speech. Learn more about Thomas Sowell Learn more about Thomas Sowell's Speech |
Fall 1996
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Edwin Meese III — Former Attorney General Edwin Meese spoke on " Capitalism & Civil Society: Conflict, Coexistence or Concord?" at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A commentary was provided by Charles Goetz, Hartsfield Distinguished Professor of Law, and John Stophel Esq. of Stophel & Stophel on Meese's speech. Learn more about Edwin Meese Learn more about Edwin Meese's Speech |
Fall 1994
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James Buchanan — Nobel Laureate James Buchanan evaluated the success of the Clinton Administration in regard to the 1993 tax increases and their prospect for deficit reduction. International issues were also assessed in regard to Japan-U.S. trade relations and the exchange value of the dollar. In the field of monetary policy, the relationship between President Clinton and Alan Greenspan was analyzed as well as future propests for interest rates. Learn more about James Buchanan Learn more about James Buchanan's Speech |
Lectures from 1981--1996
| 1996 Charles Murray
1995 Reverend Robert A. Sirico 1994 Nobel Laureate - James Buchanan 1990 Warren Brooks 1988 Honorable William Brock III 1986 Clyde Farnsworth 1985 Dr. John Baden 1984 Dr. Lester Thurow 1983 Robert Lekachman 1981 Dr. Walter W. Heller |


