UM TEDx Announces Search for 2020 Speakers

TEDxUniversityofMississippi is seeking speakers for the upcoming spring 2020 event. For the last four years, speakers have presented in the Ford Center to students, faculty, staff and the Oxford community. The call for nominations closes Nov. 1. Photo by Megan Wolfe/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services

Sharing great ideas is the foundation of every TEDx event, and this year will be no exception at the University of Mississippi.

The organizing team for the 2020 TEDxUniversityofMississippi event is seeking speakers for the spring event. Over four years, TEDxUniversityofMississippi talks have had almost 40 speakers and videos of the events have been viewed nearly 1.2 million times.

The organizing team is looking for passionate speakers, with new and relevant ideas that would engage the campus and Oxford communities. Those interested in nominating potential speakers, including themselves, can do so through the following nomination form.

“My TED experience was unlike anything I have ever done before,” said Glenn Parsons, professor of biology and director of the UM Center for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, who spoke at last year’s event. “While the experience was a bit intimidating, the TED staff was incredibly supportive and their assistance and feedback made the presentation much easier.

“Although I have been teaching for over 30 years, I have always contended that you must never stop learning, progressing, developing. My TED experience and the feedback I received from the TED support staff was important in my lifelong desire to learn.”

TEDxUniversityofMississippi speakers have presented in the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts to both students and local residents for the past four years. The speeches have included topics such as reducing shark bycatch, the fear of public restrooms and animal farming.

“I am looking forward to challenging the community to think outside of the box, meanwhile engaging those thirsty for knowledge,” said Kendal Outwater, a student committee member and a junior managerial and banking finance major. “I believe TEDxUniversityofMississippi will unite every demographic in a positive light.”

The TEDx talks are recorded at the event and later published, spreading speaker ideas globally.

“I’m super-excited to be a part of TEDx, not only because of its positive impact on the university, but the community as well,” said Katelyn Kimberlin, a student committee member and freshman journalism major.

The speaker nomination form will close at 5 p.m. Nov. 1.

For additional information or questions about TEDxUniversityofMississippi, email tedxuniversityofmississippi@gmail.com.

By Hannah Newbold