Friends of the LBJ Library | Sep, 17 2026 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Join us to hear from retired four-star Admiral, former UT Chancellor, and national security expert William McRaven on the state of the world: wars in Iran and Ukraine, threats from China, and the dissolution of the trans-atlantic alliance among other topics.
This program is hosted by the Friends of the LBJ Library. **Please note the later start time. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m.
About the speaker
William McRaven, former University of Texas System chancellor and retired U.S. Navy four-star admiral, joined the LBJ School for Public Affairs as a professor in national security in 2018. As chancellor, he oversaw 14 institutions that educate 221,000 students and employ 20,000 faculty and more than 80,000 health care professionals, researchers and staff. As the commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, Admiral McRaven led a force of 69,000 men and women and was responsible for conducting counter-terrorism operations worldwide. He is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy and has advised presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and other U.S. leaders on defense issues.
Admiral McRaven oversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. His book Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare: Theory and Practice, is considered a fundamental text on special operations strategy. He has received the Republic of France's Legion d'Honneur, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association's National Award and the National Intelligence Award. In 2016, he was named the recipient of the Ambassador Richard M. Helms Award by the Central Intelligence Agency Officers Memorial Foundation.
Book sales
The Store at LBJ will be selling copies of Duty, Honor, Country & Life: A Tribute to the American Spirit (published April 2026, Grand Central Publishing) onsite in the upper lobby of the LBJ Auditorium from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and again immediately following the program. By purchasing through the Store at LBJ, you support a local cultural institution. All proceeds from sales support our programming, exhibits, and educational initiatives at the LBJ Presidential Library.
Location and Parking
The LBJ Auditorium is located on the lower level of the LBJ complex at 2313 Red River St. Access to the auditorium will be through the lobby of the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Parking information will be shared with registered attendees.
To RSVP:
Please register using the form below. This event is open to members of the Friends of the LBJ Library (at the Individual level and above) and invited guests of the LBJ School for Public Affairs. This program is not open to the general public.
