Fridays, 1–2 p.m., in the Honors College Commons

The Grand Challenges Forum encourages students to think critically, discuss openly and learn unequivocally. The Honors College welcomes a diverse group of distinguished scholars, authors, activists and artists in an effort to further the University’s commitment to intellectual rigor, critical thinking and scholarly excellence. The Grand Challenges Forum offers students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community a time to hear a wide range of lectures dedicated to a compelling theme.

Hosted by the Honors College, the Grand Challenges Forum is open to the entire UH community. The lectures will be held on Fridays from 1–2 p.m. in the Honors College Commons. 

Spring 2026 Grand Challenges Forum Schedule

Theme: Deep in the Heart of Texas

Friday, January 23, 2026 
Adam Suhr 
Senior Executive Vice President, Frost Bank
"Capitalism, Jobs, and Innovation Deep in the Heart of Texas"

Friday, February 6, 2026
Scott Crider, Ph.D.
Professor of English, University of Dallas
"Bottom's Freedom in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Friday, February 20, 2026 
Jason Casellas and Jennifer Clark 
Co-authors, Governing Texas
and
Debbie Harwell
Editor, Houston History
"From a Republic to the Leading State of the United States"

Friday, March 6, 2026 
Michael Skelley
Chief Executive Officer, Grid United
“Powering Texas: The Energy Capital of the World”

Friday, April 10, 2026 
Chris Boleman, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Former Professor of Agriculture, Texas A&M University 
"The Impact of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on the Future of the Texas Agricultural Economy"