The start of TCU's Faculty Favorite Lecture Series, now in its second year, is quickly approaching.

A talk by Michael Slattery, professor of environmental science and director of the Institute for Environmental Studies, will open the fall series.

Julie Lovett, assistant director of Extended Education, said her department provides programs for the community out of a belief in life-long learning. This is why, she said, they created the Faculty Favorite Lecture Series last fall.

She said hosting the series fosters a positive relationship between the university and the greater Fort Worth community.

Lovett said the audience varies depending on the topic.

She said community members attend different programs depending on whether or not they connect to the subject matter. Current students attend the series, as well as alumni and other supporters, she said.

The lectures provides an opportunity for people to learn from university faculty through interactive discussions about topics related to current events, she said.

“I think people will be able to walk away with some new pieces of information,” Lovett said.

Over the course of the fall semester, there will be three 90-minute programs. Each evening will include the keynote lecture and a Q&A session, followed by a reception.

The question to be addressed at Wednesday's event is: Can we have a rational conversation about energy? 

Slattery said he is excited to open the series with his topic.

He said he is looking forward to engaging in an open conversation about the options for potential sources of energy and discussing the pros and cons associated with each.

Although Slattery has not yet written his lecture, he said he intends to give an overview of the global challenge of obtaining efficient, affordable, viable and safe energy.

Slattery said he chose energy as his topic because of his involvement in a wind energy research program at the university, which he has led for the past six years. He said he wants to use his experience conducting that research to help people understand potential solutions for energy problems.

Slattery said he hopes to clarify misconceptions about resource options, especially with regard to wind energy.

He said he feels the lecture series as a whole is beneficial to the community because it airs different viewpoints from a variety of departments across campus.

The first program of the Faculty Favorite Lecture Series, featuring Slattery's talk, will take place in Room 141 of Moudy Building North on Sept. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Michael Strausz, assistant professor of political science, and SantiagoPiñon, assistant professor of religion, will deliver the other two fall lectures.

The program is free for university faculty, staff and students, and $10 for all others.

For more information, or to register to attend, visit Extended Education's website or call 817-257-7132.