Laura Bush

The Women in Government (WIG) Lecture Series was established at Pittsburg State University through a generous gift from the Helen S. Boylan Foundation to the PSU Foundation in 2001.

This lecture series has had a huge impact on what the University has been able to offer to students and residents of this region. 

As an institution that is partially funded by tax dollars, PSU is aware of the impact that government plays in the life of our institution, as well as our stakeholders. Government exists at three key levels and branches.  PSU strives for awareness and sensitivity to all levels. One key objective of this series is to emphasize the relationship that government and PSU share with one another.  A second key objective is to recognize the contributions of key leaders in government. A third key objective is to expose the university community to accomplished leaders. Guest speakers have shared their experiences as well as their path to leadership.

Jim Spradling (G’72) was serving as the president of the Helen S. Boylan Foundation when he shared his vision for a new lecture series.  It was his vision and the private support of the Boylan family foundation that established the Women in Government Lecture Series and made it possible for PSU to host such speakers as those listed below:

2018

Soledad O'Brien, an award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist

2017

Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to Michelle Obama

2016

Dr. Jackie McClaskey, KS Secretary of Agriculture

2015

Laura Bush, Former First Lady

2013

Susan Wagle, Kansas State Senator

2011

Jane Cox, (Iowa) Women’s Suffrage

2009

Lynn Jenkins, Congresswoman

2008

Tierney Cahill, Inspirational Teacher of Civic Duty

2007

Helen Thomas, Legendary White House Correspondent

2006

Consuelo Castillo Kickbush, Army Veteran and Author

2006

Winona LaDuke, Native American Indian Activist

2004

Ruth Perry, President of Liberia

2004

Kerry Kennedy, Human Rights Activist

2003

Dr. Jeanne M. Hogarth, Federal Reserve

2002

Kay McFarland, Kansas Supreme Court Justice

2001

Carla Stovall, Kansas Attorney General

2001

Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas Commissioner of Insurance