Civil Discourse Symposium
April 7, 2026
A high-energy campus event where you'll build real-world communication skills, step into meaningful conversations and learn how to lead and connect across different perspectives.
Be part of a full-day experience designed to help you sharpen your communication skills, dive into real-world issues and take part in conversations that actually matter. Through engaging speakers, interactive panels and opportunities to jump into the discussion, you'll see what civil discourse looks like in action—and how you can be part of it.
What You'll Learn
Build real-world skills to help you speak up, listen well and navigate conversations that matter—in class, online and in your future career.
- Find your voice and use it: Walk away with a clearer sense of what you want to say—and the confidence to say it in interviews, group settings and everyday life.
- Get more comfortable with tough conversations: Learn how to share your perspective, ask thoughtful questions and stay confident even when discussions get challenging.
- Hear from people doing this work every day: Learn directly from journalists and public figures and see how strong communication plays out beyond the classroom.
Symposium Schedule
Programming will include keynote speakers, moderated discussions and interactive opportunities for student participation. Specific session details and speakers will be announced as they are confirmed.
Location
Rayburn Student Center, 2nd Floor
MORNING SESSION
9:00–9:15 AM
9:30–9:45 AM
9:45–10:00 AM
10:05–10:50 AM
Legislator Panel and Audience Q&A Featuring:
- Mike Conaway
- Bryan Hughes
- Gary VanDeaver
- Nicole Collier
- Moderated by Professor Mark Menaldo
MIDDAY SESSION
11:00 AM–1:00 PM
11:00–11:30 AM
AFTERNOON SESSION
1:10–2:00 PM
2:00–2:45 PM
Media Panel
- Alexander Heffner, PBS
- John Quiñones, ABC News
- Local news anchor (as available)
- Moderated by Professor Mark Menaldo
Student Attendance
Students are encouraged to take part in this engaging, come-as-you-are experience designed with you in mind!
Two sessions are available—morning or afternoon—so you can choose the one that fits your schedule
Students will check in at the front of the Conference Rooms near the elevator and stairs on the second floor of the Rayburn Student Center.
Bring your Lion Card to get in!
Meet the Panelists
U.S. Representative, Texas's 11th Congressional District (2005–2021)
Former Congressman Mike Conaway
Mike Conaway served as U.S. Representative for Texas's 11th Congressional District from 2005 to 2021, chairing both the House Agriculture Committee and the House Ethics Committee during his tenure. A CPA and former bank executive, he also served on the Midland, Texas, school board and led the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 elections. Conaway is a Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate, U.S. Army veteran, and former collegiate football letterman with a long record of public service in West Texas.
Texas State Senator, District 1
Senator Bryan Hughes
Senator Bryan Hughes represents District 1 in the Texas Senate, serving his third term and chairing the Senate Committee on State Affairs. Known for his legislative impact on issues including the Heartbeat Bill, Critical Race Theory Ban, election integrity, and data privacy, Hughes has received numerous awards for his public service and is recognized for his effectiveness and conservative leadership. A graduate of Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler, he also earned his law degree from Baylor University and continues to practice law while actively serving his community and family.
Texas State Representative, House District 1
Rep. Gary VanDeaver
Rep. Gary VanDeaver serves his sixth term representing Texas House District 1, covering Bowie, Cass, Lamar, Morris, and Red River counties. He has chaired the House Public Health Committee and served on the House Higher Education Committee, authoring landmark legislation including the Rural Health Stabilization and Innovation Act (HB 18) and reforms to community college finance (HB 8). An ET Alumnus, lifelong educator and farmer from Red River County, VanDeaver holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration and remains active in local civic organizations and his church.
Texas State Representative, District 95
Representative Nicole Collier
Nicole Collier serves as the first woman to represent Tarrant County's House District 95 and is currently in her sixth term in the Texas House of Representatives. A graduate of the University of Houston and Texas Wesleyan University School of Law (now Texas A&M University School of Law), she has chaired the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence and the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Collier's legislative work focuses on criminal justice reform, affordable housing, healthcare access, and community equity, earning her awards such as the NAACP Roy Wilkins Civil Rights Award and Regional Legislator of the Year from the National Black Caucus of State Legislators
Texas State Representative, House District 90
Rep. Ramón Romero, Jr.
Rep. Ramón Romero, Jr. represents House District 90 in Fort Worth, Texas, and serves as Chair of the Mexican American Legislative Caucus. A lifelong Fort Worth resident and son of Mexican immigrants, he has championed legislation on human trafficking, criminal justice reform, workforce development, and veterans' support. Rep. Romero is also a father, grandfather, and entrepreneur, having founded A-Fast Tile & Coping and co-owning Stone Mason Supply.
Texas State Representative, House District 2
Rep. Brent Money
Rep. Brent Money serves Texas House District 2, representing Hunt, Hopkins, and Van Zandt counties. A sixth – generation Texan East Texas A&M alumnus, he is a lawyer, business owner, and dedicated public servant. Brent and his high school sweetheart, Heidi, have been married for over 24 years and are proud parents of five children. Guided by the principle of leaving things better than he found them, Brent is committed to serving the people of Texas, championing common-sense policies, and defending the values Texans hold dear.
Host of The Open Mind on PBS
Alexander Heffner
Alexander is host of The Open Mind on PBS, creator of Breaking Bread with Alexander on Bloomberg TV, and coauthor of bestselling A Documentary History of the United States by Penguin, and his newest series, “Mayors of the World,” premieres in May. He has covered culture, politics, and civic life since 2008. He is recipient of University of North Dakota's Inaugural Journalist in Residence, Johns Hopkins University's Agora Institute Fellowship, University of Denver's Anvil of Freedom Award, Franklin Pierce University's Fitzwater Medallion for Leadership in Public Communication, and Yale University's Poynter Fellowship in Journalism.
ABC News Veteran, Creator & Host, What Would You Do?
John Quiñones
A lifetime of “never taking no for an answer” took Quiñones from migrant farm work and poverty to more than 30 years at ABC News, the anchor desk at 20/20 and Primetime, and eight national Emmy Awards for his reporting over the years. Along the way, he broke through barriers, won top honors, including recent induction into the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences “Golden Circle,” and became a role model for many. As host and creator of What Would You Do?, the highly rated hidden camera ethical dilemma news magazine now in its 17th season, Quiñones has literally become “the face of doing the right thing” to millions of fans. It's a role he has enthusiastically embraced off camera as well, through a popular book and inspirational keynote presentations that challenge both business and general audiences to examine the What Would You Do? moments we face every day.
Meet the Deans
The Civil Discourse Symposium is a signature university event coordinated by the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts and the Honors College at East Texas A&M University. These colleges play a central role in shaping the academic and experiential framework of the symposium, advancing thoughtful dialogue, student engagement, and interdisciplinary exchange. Their leadership reflects a shared commitment to preparing students to engage constructively across differences and contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.
Joseph Romero, Ph.D.
Dean of College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts