Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist Speak Free at MTSU Tucker Theatre Oct. 19

Former U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist will hold a free public conversation on leadership and public service at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, in MTSU's Tucker Theatre in Murfreesboro. A reception follows, and free parking is available at the Smith Baseball Field lot.

Former U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist are coming to Middle Tennessee State University for a free public conversation on leadership, public service and civic engagement. "Leadership and Public Service: Past, Present, and Future" begins at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in Tucker Theatre, 615 Champion Way, on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro.

The event is free and open to the community, and a reception will follow.

Event Details at a Glance

• What: "Leadership and Public Service: Past, Present, and Future," a conversation with former U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist
• When: 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026
• Where: Tucker Theatre, 615 Champion Way, MTSU campus, Murfreesboro
• Cost: Free and open to the public, with a reception afterward
• Parking: Free event parking at the MTSU Smith Baseball Field parking lot

What Will Alexander and Frist Talk About?

MTSU says the conversation will bring together two former Tennessee senators whose careers spanned government, education, medicine and public service. The program will also include a discussion of Alexander's new memoir, "The Education of a Senator."

Louis Kyriakoudes, director of MTSU's Albert Gore Research Center and a professor of history, said the event engages students, faculty, the university community and the general public with two people who devoted their lives to public service. Kent Syler, an MTSU professor of political science and special projects coordinator for the Gore Center, said the presentations will focus on civic leadership and working for your community and state.

Who Are Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist?

Lamar Alexander represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate from 2003 to 2021. He also served two terms as Tennessee governor, served as U.S. secretary of education and was president of the University of Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation recently recognized him with the 2026 Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship.

Bill Frist represented Tennessee in the U.S. Senate from 1995 to 2007 and was Senate majority leader from 2003 to 2007. Before elected office, he was a transplant surgeon. His work since leaving the Senate has included healthcare, conservation and public service.

Why Is the Event at MTSU?

MTSU has been processing Frist's archival materials for the past four years. The collection documents his work in medicine, in the U.S. Senate and in healthcare, conservation and public service afterward. Kyriakoudes described the visit as an extension of that archive work and of the College of Liberal Arts' mission.

The event also supports MTSU's True Blue Character Blueprint, a grant-funded, campuswide initiative led by the College of Liberal Arts that gives students, faculty and staff opportunities to explore leadership, responsibility, civic engagement and character. Leah Tolbert Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said conversations about leadership, public service and working across differences are an important part of that effort.

Yorktown Day and America 250 Events Earlier That Day

The visit coincides with MTSU's Yorktown Day and America 250 activities, presented by the American Democracy Project and the Honors College to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Earlier on Oct. 19:

• 10:20 a.m.: A reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Honors College lawn, 1737 Blue Raider Drive.
• Noon to 3 p.m.: Members of the campus community can print a copy of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence on the university's Franklin printing press in Room 350 of Todd Hall, 542 Old Main Circle.

Planning Your Visit

OnlyInMurfreesboro's MTSU guide covers the campus, and the events calendar lists more things happening around town. For more fall plans, see things to do in Murfreesboro in October. The university's search for its next president is also underway; see the MTSU presidential search update.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are Lamar Alexander and Bill Frist speaking at MTSU?

The conversation begins at 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, 2026, in Tucker Theatre on the MTSU campus.

Is the Alexander and Frist event at MTSU free?

Yes. MTSU says the event is free and open to the community, and a reception will follow.

Where should I park for the event at Tucker Theatre?

MTSU says free event parking will be available at the MTSU Smith Baseball Field parking lot.

What is the address of Tucker Theatre?

Tucker Theatre is at 615 Champion Way on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro.

What book will Lamar Alexander discuss?

The program includes a discussion of Alexander's new memoir, "The Education of a Senator."

Sources: MTSU News: MTSU to host former U.S. Sens. Alexander, Frist for Oct. 19 conversation on leadership, public service.

*Image courtesy of MTSU.*