Lecture Series: Spring 2026 – Revolutions

The University Honors College invites students, faculty, and the campus community to explore the power of transformative change through the Spring 2026 Buchanan Lecture Series, Revolutions. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this semester-long program examines the many ways revolutions—political, scientific, cultural, and artistic—reshape societies and redefine what is possible.

Featuring distinguished MTSU faculty from history, chemistry, aerospace, music, art, and more, the series highlights pivotal moments that challenged the status quo and sparked new ways of thinking. From the American Revolution’s impact on Tennesseans to the global influence of revolutionary republics, from the evolution of scientific thought to the music and art that give voice to liberty, each lecture offers a fresh lens on how revolutions continue to shape our world.

Special events—including hands-on Declaration of Independence printing, a public reading on the Honors lawn, and a culminating concert—bring history to life and celebrate the spirit of inquiry that defines the Honors College.

Join us for a semester of bold ideas, interdisciplinary discovery, and inspiring conversations as we reflect on the past and imagine the revolutions still to come. All lectures take place in HONR 106, unless otherwise noted.

Lecture Schedule

January 26	Course Introduction: Considering Revolutions	Amy Sayward, Honors
February 2	What the American Revolution Meant to Tennesseans at the Time	Lynn Nelson, History
February 9	Abolition Before and After the Revolution	Robb McDaniel, Political and Global Affairs
February 16	The Revolutionary Nature of the Declaration of Independence	John Vile, Honors
February 23	The Scientific Revolution at the Time of the American Revolution	Scott Handy, Chemistry
March 2	“Talkin’ bout a Revolution”: Sharing Pasts in Our Times	Carroll Van West, Center for Historic Preservation
March 9	Spring Break – No Classes
March 16	Printing the Declaration of Independence	TODD 350 Kathleen O’Connell, Art and Design
March 23	Lafayette in the American and French Revolution	Joan McRae, World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
March 30	Revolutionary Republics: The Unites States and Haiti	Andrew Maginn, History
April 6	Revolutions: The Music of Liberty	Angela Tipps, Music, Honors College artist-in-residence
April 13	Regulating a Revolution: A Case for Space	Collin McDonald, Aerospace
April 20	National and International Fellowships for MTSU Students	Laura Clippard, Honors
April 27	Honors Student Thesis Presentations

Special Events

Tuesday, March 17

• Noon to 4 pm – print copies of the Declaration of Independence on MTSU’s replica Franklin Printing Press in Todd 350

1 pm

• reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Honors College lawn

Sunday, April 26

“An American Sampler” Concert – featuring Angela Tipps and Delana Easley

• Free event at Hinton Hall, Wright Music Building

Want to revisit past lectures?

Visit the Lecture Series Archive, or check out the Lecture Series videos to explore past discussions about space.